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Johanniter is working in five African countries to help contain the virus and treat those infected
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a high alert for a new variant of the Mpox virus in Africa. With the spread of Mpox in several countries, the virus could become a health threat and lead to severe cases, especially in children.
Johanniter has offices in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Mozambique, South Sudan and Uganda since many years. With the exception of South Sudan, cases of Mpox infections have already occurred in all project countries. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the country most affected by this year's outbreak. According to the WHO, there have been more than 14,000 cases in the central African country so far this year. 524 people have died from the virus.
Prevention measures launched
Conditions in refugee camps in the embattled North Kivu region of eastern Congo are ideal for the disease to spread.
People live in extremely bad conditions, hygiene is poor, and there is little access to health care. Johanniter operates mobile clinics in seven camps. „There have already been 10 cases in our clinics," said Dr Gustave Byanjira Mulume, medical coordinator for Johanniter in DRC. The numbers are still low, and the people affected can be isolated. To ensure that this remains the case, Johanniter is now focusing on prevention and education. Health workers and volunteers are running information campaigns to teach people about symptoms and precautions. Staff in the mobile clinics are also being prepared for the virus, and are equipped and organised accordingly.
Precautions in other countries
The first cases have been reported outside the DRC, are on a small scale so far. However, this could quickly become a health crisis for the entire continent if infection prevention and control measures are not taken seriously,“ says Yasmin Fwamba, regional health advisor for Johanniter in Uganda. „Communities are being urged to maintain high levels of hygiene and avoid contact with infected. We must act now to prevent a new pandemic.“
In Mozambique, the first case of Mpox was confirmed yesterday, adding to the challenge for a country already battling an outbreak of highly contagious measles. In Kenya, authorities are testing people entering the country to prevent the spread of the disease. Tests are being carried out at strategic border crossings, particularly in the north of the country. Uganda is also monitoring its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and screening travellers for symptoms. Many people are currently fleeing to Uganda because of the unrest in Congo.
Johanniter has stepped up prevention activities in its projects in all countries. Community awareness campaigns are being organised and volunteers are being trained to educate people in villages. Staff also participate in government task force forums and multiagency clusters to coordinate and expand protection and response efforts. Global, regional and country-specific updates are routinely prepared and there is an intensive dialogue on the situation, including vaccine availability.
Presse contact:
Sandra Lorenz, Head of Communication Phone: +49172 / 563 87 40, sandra.lorenz@johanniter.de;
Updates on Social Media: @JohanniterIn