DRC - Mpox (monkeypox) outbreak 2026

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The DRC Mpox outbreak 2025 can be found here:

https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum/africa-ac/monkeypox/1003943-drc-mpox-monkeypox-outbreak-2025

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Approximately 300 cases of Mpox are recorded per week in the DRC

Published on Thu, 01/01/2026 - 17:15 | Modified on Thu, 01/01/2026 - 17:15

Nineteen health zones in the Democratic Republic of Congo recorded cases of Mpox (monkeypox) in December 2025, said the coordinator of the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (COUSP) of the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), during a press briefing held on Wednesday, December 31 in Kinshasa.

Christian Ngandu, coordinator of COUSP, reported a decrease in cases on the ground:

“Regarding Mpox, the data is decreasing. Initially, we had weekly notifications of approximately 2,000 cases, but currently we have 250 to 300 cases per week. Initially, 401 health zones were affected from 2024 until November 2025, but in December only 19 health zones reported cases.”

Of the 19 health zones that have recorded cases of Mpox , " a good number are in North Kivu and South Kivu which are plagued by insecurity, but also in Sankuru ," he continued.

https://www.radiookapi.net/2026/01/01/actualite/sante/environ-300-cas-de-mpox-enregistres-par-semaine-en-rdc

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Mpox in Miti-Murhesa: Increase in active cases at the Lwiro Treatment Center

By Josué Musole-January 6, 20260

The epidemiological situation of Mpox (monkeypox) remains concerning in the Miti-Murhesa health zone. As of Monday, January 5, 2026, the number of patients under treatment has risen to 20, following new admissions reported at the Mpox Treatment Center (CTM-Pox) in Lwiro.

While the center had 18 hospitalized patients on the morning of Monday, January 5, the trend has started to rise again. During the day, two new community alerts were reported and confirmed by the medical teams.

These are two suspected cases who presented themselves spontaneously for care, including a 25-year-old man, residing in Kahungu and a 6-year-old child, originally from Ntagalulwa.

These new admissions bring the total to 20 active cases at the end of the day, with no patients declared cured or leaving the center during this period.

Health authorities remain on high alert. Two biological samples have been taken to officially confirm these new cases. For the time being, no at-risk contacts have been identified for these patients, and no transfers to other healthcare facilities have been deemed necessary, according to the online news outlet Kabare.

No deaths were reported during the day, confirming stable clinical care for patients already admitted.

The persistence of the virus in the Miti-Murhesa health zone is worrying health authorities. These new figures demonstrate that the disease is still actively circulating within the community.

The CTM-Pox teams in Lwiro emphasize three essential points to break the chain of transmission, including early detection as soon as the first symptoms appear (fever, skin rashes), rapid referral to health centers and strict adherence to prevention measures (hand washing, avoiding physical contact with people showing signs of illness).

Vigilance remains the best defense to limit the spread of the epidemic in South Kivu.

https://kivutimes.com/mpox-a-miti-murhesa-hausse-des-cas-actifs-au-centre-de-traitement-de-lwiro/

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12/01/26

The war is jeopardizing the fight against Mpox in eastern DRC
...
By: Moïse Aganze

[BUKAVU, SciDev.Net] The violent fighting between the Defense Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the AFC/M23 rebels in South Kivu, in the east of the DRC, is hindering the fight against the Mpox epidemic in this province.

According to local health authorities, the fighting is making it impossible to supply medicines and vaccines, causing shortages in hospitals and treatment centers.

Joseph Matundanya, head of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in South Kivu, explains to SciDev.Net that vaccination has started in this province with an insufficient quantity of doses compared to the needs.

“The situation we find ourselves in is not easy, because insecurity is disrupting everything. In the Kavumu treatment center, we had 65 patients who left without being cured because of the fighting reported in that area.”
Serge Munyahu Cikuru, chief medical officer of the Miti-Murhesa health zone

“[…] Of the 32 health zones that have already reported cases out of the 34 in our province, only four were targeted for vaccination, and this is already a major challenge for us in the vaccination response. We are having difficulty vaccinating all the targeted groups because of this problem of vaccine shortage,” he laments.

This observation is shared by Serge Munyahu Cikuru, chief medical officer of the Miti-Murhesa health zone, one of the 34 health zones in South Kivu province. He regrets the impact of the war on the progress made in the fight against the Mpox epidemic.

According to his testimony, the recently delivered vaccine stock is running out, health facilities are not being supplied, and some have been attacked. "Regarding the supply of medicines, we had UNICEF and its partner AIDES supplying us, but because of the war, the supply system has significantly declined," he said.

Cases of Mpox continue to be reported in this health zone. "Patients continue to receive treatment, although the situation is not as desired, because there is a real shortage of medication due to the conflict we are currently experiencing," he adds.

600 patients fled the hospitals

The intensification of fighting has also prompted many patients to abandon treatment centers. Ngashi Ngongo, in charge of Mpox incidents at CDC Africa, recently stated that more than 600 patients suffering from the disease , gripped by panic, have fled various health facilities in eastern DRC.

“The situation we find ourselves in is not easy, because insecurity is disrupting everything. In the Kavumu treatment center, we had 65 patients who left without being cured because of the fighting reported in this area,” says Serge Munyahu Cikuru.

“These cases are scattered throughout the community. There are other cases that were under treatment who have left the Miti-Murhesa health zone to go to other health zones in neighboring towns ,” added Serge Munyahu Cikuru.

He also reported that more than 25 soldiers who were receiving treatment at the Nyamukubi center had also fled. "To this day, we don't know how to locate them. Other patients who were being treated at the Lwiro treatment center and the Miti-Murhesa general referral hospital have also left," he lamented.

This situation raises fears of a worsening of the epidemic in South Kivu. "Before the war, the trend was already good because the curve was downward... But now, with the sick who have left for the community, we are starting to report cases again. Our fear is that we could see an increase in cases..." laments the chief medical officer of the Miti-Murhesa health zone.

In such a context, he continues, it is difficult to trace the sick to break the chain of Mpox contamination, and health workers are running out of options regarding the use of remaining medical stocks, as this health zone continues to record confirmed cases of the disease.

The fighting is also causing fear among health workers. "There is also the problem of nurses and doctors who are experiencing psychosis because of this war situation, but we are continuing awareness campaigns and all the approaches that were already deployed in the Miti-Murhesa health zone, but the problem is not solved," Serge Munyahu Cikuru told SciDev.Net .

Expansion of the epidemic

For Marie Migani Muganza, team leader for health issues at the South Kivu Civil Society Coordination Office, this climate of insecurity could encourage the spread of the epidemic in South Kivu. She denounces the abrupt cessation of various treatments for Mpox patients in areas under M23 control.

"This situation has blocked several initiatives aimed at combating this Mpox epidemic which has already claimed the lives of several members of our families. In addition to this security problem, there are logistical difficulties," she explains.

She adds that healthcare professionals are striving to do their best. "But we believe that if national authorities, in collaboration with their partners, do not actively engage in resolving this problem, healthcare professionals will continue to struggle to do their jobs properly and the epidemic will continue to claim victims," she says.

Despite the security challenges, the DRC's EPI remains mobilized against the spread of this epidemic in South Kivu, through the implementation of vaccination strategies and raising awareness among the population about the importance of vaccination.

To achieve this goal, Nanou Yanga, head of Mpox vaccination at the PEV, invites the populations affected by the socio-security situation to remain calm and to trust the public health services and their partners.

https://www.scidev.net/afrique-sub-saharienne/news/la-guerre-compromet-la-lutte-contre-le-mpox-dans-lest-de-la-rdc/

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DRC: MPOX in decline but still endemic, warns the Government

Published on Sat, 31/01/2026 - 16:08 | Modified on Sat, 31/01/2026 - 16:08

The Mpox epidemic in Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is showing a marked decline, but the disease remains present, the Congolese government warns. This information was communicated during the last cabinet meeting on Friday, January 30, 2026, by government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya.

According to him, the Director General of the Africa CDC lifted the continental public health emergency after the WHO removed the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) status in September 2025. This decision follows the improvement in the epidemiological situation, marked by a sharp decline in the number of cases and deaths in the DRC and several other African countries, including Sierra Leone, Burundi, and Uganda.

“ However, the disease has not been eradicated and remains endemic. The Ministry of Health is maintaining Mpox as a national emergency until March 2026 ,” Patrick Muyaya stated.

Cases of M-pox reported in Tshopo

Mpox continues to claim victims in Tshopo province, specifically in the Basoko health zone, where three deaths have been recorded. According to Robert Esabe, Hygiene, Water and Sanitation Supervisor, sanitary conditions remain a serious concern.

According to him, despite awareness campaigns conducted by health teams, only 17% of the population uses hygienic toilets. The proximity of the Congo River and the Aruwimi River leads some residents to use these waterways as dumps and latrines, promoting the spread of waterborne diseases.

To improve the situation, Robert Esabe advocates for the construction and rehabilitation of water points, the establishment of public latrines and raising awareness among residents about water treatment.

Cholera epidemic in Basoko

Meanwhile, the Basoko health zone is facing a cholera epidemic. Between January 1st and 28th, 2026, 57 cases were recorded, including two deaths, according to the same medical source.

This data underlines the need to rapidly improve sanitation and access to clean water to limit the spread of waterborne diseases in the region.

https://www.radiookapi.net/2026/01/31/actualite/sante/rdc-la-mpox-en-regression-mais-toujours-endemique-alerte-le-gouvernement

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/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lubutu_Territory
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Maniema: Ten suspected cases of Mpox discovered in a prayer room in Lubutu

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 - 6:14 PM

Ten people suspected of Mpox were found in a prayer room of the CECCA 16 church, located in the Ndeka district, Assumani block, in Lubutu, in the province of Maniema.

According to local authorities, these individuals chose to resort to prayer. The illness developed in some before being detected by a team dispatched for the purpose. Three people exhibiting symptoms consistent with the disease are currently being treated at the Lubutu General Referral Hospital.

The other seven, according to administrative sources, resisted and suggested they were under a spell. Faced with this situation, local civil society is calling for swift intervention, particularly through the urgent provision of medical supplies and medicines.

The civil society organizations of Lubutu are also urging a coordinated mobilization of health professionals to contain and eradicate this health alert. They are also calling on individuals who have been in contact with suspected cases to report to the Lubutu General Hospital.

Gasto Mukendi, in Kisangani

https://actualite.cd/2026/01/28/maniema-dix-cas-suspects-de-mpox-decouverts-dans-une-chambre-de-priere-lubutu

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Walikale: Authorities strengthen surveillance in Losso to prevent the spread of Mpox after 7 cases were detected in Lubutu

Monday, February 2, 2026 - 9:42 PM

Local authorities have strengthened health surveillance at the Losso bridge, the natural boundary between the territories of Walikale (North Kivu) and Lubutu (Maniema), in order to prevent the spread of Mpox (monkeypox) in this heavily frequented border area.

This measure comes after the detection of seven (7) confirmed cases of Mpox in Lubutu, a situation which seriously alerts the administrative and health authorities of Walikale, due to the high mobility of populations between the two territories.

To address this health threat, enhanced control measures have been implemented at the Losso bridge. Now, all individuals crossing this strategic point are subject to strict preventative measures designed to limit the risk of virus transmission.

Key decisions taken include mandatory handwashing before crossing the bridge, using facilities installed on both sides (water, soap and sometimes chlorinated solution); a ban on transporting more than two people on the same motorcycle, in order to reduce prolonged physical contact; and raising awareness among travelers about the signs of the disease and the behaviors to adopt in case of symptoms.

Health workers, supported by local authorities and community liaisons, are deployed on site to ensure strict compliance with these measures and to visually observe passers-by in order to identify suspected cases and direct them to health facilities.

In parallel, a community awareness campaign is being conducted in the villages surrounding Losso. Community leaders, village chiefs, and religious leaders are being mobilized to encourage the population to avoid unnecessary physical contact; not to share personal items; to go immediately to a health center in case of suspicious symptoms; and to strictly adhere to the health guidelines issued by the authorities.

Health authorities in Walikale believe these measures are preventative but essential, given the contagious nature of Mpox and the vulnerability of rural areas where access to care remains limited.

Faced with the threat of Mpox cases in Lubutu, the Walikale authorities have opted for an early, preventative, and community-based response. Strengthening surveillance at the Losso bridge, implementing barrier measures, and raising public awareness are now essential tools to curb the spread of the disease to Walikale in North Kivu and protect public health.

https://actualite.cd/index.php/2026/02/02/walikale-les-autorites-renforcent-la-surveillance-losso-pour-eviter-la-propagation-du

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Mpox in DRC: 245 new cases recorded, including 24 confirmed at the end of January 2026

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 - 10:10 PM

The Minister of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare published on Monday, February 2nd, his report on the epidemiological situation of the Mpox epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo during week 4 of the year 2026.

During this period, 245 new suspected cases were reported, 24 of which were confirmed.

Regarding vaccination, 1,557,268 people have been vaccinated to date (LC16 coverage), representing 46%.

According to the Minister of Health, significant progress has been made in the Irebu Health Zone in Equateur Province, with 7,414 people vaccinated, as well as in South Kivu, where 6,317 contacts have been protected in the Mitimurhesa and Nyangezi areas.

Since the beginning of 2026, the country has recorded 33,366 cases of Mpox.

Grâce GUKA

https://actualite.cd/index.php/2026/02/03/mpox-en-rdc-245-nouveaux-cas-recenses-dont-24-confirmes-en-fin-janvier-2026

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Mpox in DRC: Ministry of Health warns of a surge in cases in Haut-Katanga

Monday, February 9, 2026 - 8:04 PM

The Ministry of Health, Hygiene, and Social Welfare is warning of an increase in Mpox cases in the Haut-Katanga province. According to statistics, the positivity rate has jumped by 58% at the beginning of 2026, far exceeding the national average of 39%.

The Ministry of Health reports that the virus is establishing itself in dense urban areas such as the city of Lubumbashi and at strategic border points (Sakania).

Regarding vaccination, 1,557,288 people have been vaccinated to date, in 8 of the DRC's 26 provinces.

Following the weekly meeting held this Monday, February 9th, on the epidemiological situation of Mpox in the DRC, health actors announced that they would implement a massive and coordinated response in the next 15 days.

https://actualite.cd/index.php/2026/02/09/mpox-en-rdc-le-ministere-de-la-sante-alerte-sur-une-flambee-des-cas-dans-le-haut-katanga

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Mpox: More than 1,300 cases reported since January in South Kivu

Thursday, February 12, 2026 - 1:22 PM

The province of South Kivu has already reported 1,301 cases of monkeypox since the beginning of 2026.

According to Justin Bengehya, head of the office in charge of health information, research and communication at the Provincial Health Division (DPS) in South Kivu, a death was also recorded in the Walungu health zone.

He specifies that intensive public health actions for the response have been carried out in the most affected areas to reduce infections.

Justin Bengehya points out that the households of all contacts of the positive cases have been decontaminated and vaccination has also been carried out.

"Vaccinations have also been carried out on contact persons and today we are seeing the result because there is a regression of cases," he explained in an interview with 7SUR7.CD this Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

He reports that support measures have been reduced because, for the time being, patients will not receive food supplies in medical facilities.

It is worth recalling that the province of South Kivu is facing 3 epidemics, namely cholera, measles and monkeypox.

Déogratias Cubaka, in Bukavu

https://7sur7.cd/index.php/2026/02/12/mpox-plus-de-1-300-cas-notifies-depuis-janvier-au-sud-kivu

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Alert! Allegations of mass contamination and mine closures in Kolwezi

March 4, 2026

Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, March 4, 2026 (#ACP_Debunkage). – A viral message has been circulating for 48 hours on WhatsApp and Facebook claiming that:

"The Mpox (monkeypox) epidemic has reached an out-of-control level in the city of Kolwezi. More than 500 cases have reportedly been identified in the mining areas. The provincial government is preparing to declare a total lockdown and suspend mining activities as early as next Monday."

The message is accompanied by a photo showing people with severe skin rashes, presented as having been taken at Mwangeji General Referral Hospital.

Fact-checking

Regarding the infection figures

After contacting the Lualaba Provincial Health Division (DPS), it appears that as of March 4, 2026:

12 suspected cases have been reported across the province;

3 cases confirmed by the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB).

We are therefore very far from the 500 cases announced in the viral message.

This is a gross exaggeration of the figures.

Regarding the alleged closure of the mines and the lockdown

The office of the Provincial Governor and the Provincial Ministry of Mines, contacted on this subject, affirm that no measures for containment or suspension of mining activities are on the agenda.

Mining activities are continuing as normal, with enhanced hygiene measures:

Regular hand washing

Temperature control

Raising awareness among workers.

The announcement of an imminent mine closure is unfounded.

Regarding the origin of the photo

A reverse image search via Google Lens reveals that the photo used has been circulating on the internet since 2022.

It illustrates a smallpox epidemic in Nigeria and has no connection to Kolwezi in 2026.

This is therefore an image taken out of context to artificially reinforce the credibility of the alarmist message.

OUR FINAL VERDICT: FALSE INFORMATION / DISINFORMATION

There is no massive Mpox epidemic in Kolwezi.

The figures were greatly inflated to cause panic, particularly in the mining sector.

Health authorities are calling for vigilance, but formally deny any plans to contain or close the mines.

Recommendations

Do not share alarmist messages whose source is not clearly identified.

Rely only on official bulletins from the Ministry of Health and the ACP.

Wash your hands regularly and avoid contact with people who have suspicious rashes.

#Acp_Debunking

https://acp.cd/debunkage/alerte-allegations-de-contamination-massive-et-fermeture-des-mines-a-kolwezi/

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DRC: Slight increase in new suspected cases of Mpox (Council of Ministers)

March 9, 2026

Kinshasa, March 8, 2026 (ACP).- A slight increase in new suspected cases of Mpox was observed in the eighth epidemiological week across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to the report of the 81st Council of Ministers, read on national television on Friday.

“ Regarding the epidemiological situation, on behalf of the Minister of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Prevention, who is on assignment, the Minister of State, Minister of National Education and New Citizenship presented the epidemiological situation of the country. The trend of Mpox in the eighth week is marked by a slight increase in the number of new suspected cases, rising from 248 to 258 ,” said Patrick Muyaya, Minister of Communication and Media, in his reading of the report.

“ From the start of the epidemic in 2024 until the eighth week of 2026, the cumulative total is 122,487 suspected cases, including 3,652 confirmed cases ,” he reported. However, regarding cholera, a slight decrease in suspected cases was observed, from 1,206 to 1,168, with nine deaths recorded.

“ Regarding cholera, there has been a slight decrease in suspected cases. The number has fallen from 1206 to 1168, with nine deaths recorded, representing a case fatality rate of 0.2% compared to 0.5% the previous week, ” Minister Muyaya stated.

“ Kinshasa province remains the most affected, with 245 new suspected cases. A total of 41 active cases are being treated in cholera treatment centers in Kinshasa, compared to 42 the previous week ,” he stated. The Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene, and Social Prevention reassured the public of the effectiveness of public health measures in containing the epidemic, according to the government spokesperson.

ACP/

https://acp.cd/science-sante-environnement/rdc-legere-hausse-de-nouveaux-cas-suspects-de-mpox-conseil-des-ministres/

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Ministère de la Santé RDC
@MinSanteRDC
#COMMUNIQUÉREPORT
(Image translated by Google)



3:48 AM · Apr 1, 2026

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DRC: The government announces the end of the Mpox epidemic

Thursday, April 2, 2026 - 5:40 PM

Congolese authorities have officially declared the end of the Mpox epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, belonging to the genus Orthopoxvirus.

This announcement comes after the lifting of the public health emergency related to this epidemic at the continental level by the Africa CDC, as well as the withdrawal of its status as a public health emergency of international concern by the WHO.

“We have not yet eradicated the virus, but the epidemic is over. We were recording approximately 2,400 cases per week at the beginning of 2025, compared to 170 cases today. This demonstrates the progress made. Thanks to effective coordination between the government and technical partners, a structured plan, a dedicated budget, and a unified response, we achieved these results. In terms of human resources, we are emerging from this epidemic with a strengthened health system, notably with some sixty laboratories, compared to only two at the start. This demonstrates the importance of good coordination,” declared Roger Kamba, Minister of Public Health, Hygiene, and Social Welfare.

Furthermore, the Minister of Health, in collaboration with the National Institute of Public Health, the COUSP and other technical partners, indicates that surveillance continues in order to limit the spread and totally eradicate the disease in the DRC.

Since the end of 2022, the Democratic Republic of Congo has been facing an alarming increase in Mpox cases across the entire national territory.

The lack of vaccines, along with other humanitarian crises, has complicated efforts to combat the disease, particularly among children.

Declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the WHO in 2024 due to the surge in cases, the Mpox epidemic in the DRC has recorded over 124,000 cases. To date, over 1,557,268 people have been vaccinated, representing an estimated LC16 coverage of 46%.

Grace Guka

https://actualite.cd/2026/04/02/rdc-le-gouvernement-annonce-la-fin-de-lepidemie-de-mpox

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April 8, 2026

Official declaration of the end of the Mpox epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Kinshasa, April 2, 2026—The Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, through the Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare, has officially declared the end of the Mpox epidemic as a national emergency. This announcement was made by His Excellency Dr. Samue



Publication date
April 8, 2026
Communications Unit

Kinshasa, April 2, 2026—The Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, through the Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare, has officially declared the end of the Mpox epidemic as a national emergency. This announcement was made by His Excellency Dr. Samuel Roger Kamba, Minister of Health, under the authority of the President of the Republic, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo.

This declaration marks the culmination of three years of intense struggle against a major health crisis that affected the entire national territory. The response covered 419 health zones spread across 26 provinces, reflecting an unprecedented national mobilization.

In total, nearly 125,000 cases have been investigated, more than 80,000 samples taken, and more than 34,000 cases confirmed. Thanks to the joint efforts of the Government and its partners, the case fatality rate has been reduced to 1.39%, a significant result in such a complex context.

The national strategy was based on several key levers:
• the implementation of a strengthened incident management system (SGI 3),
• centralized coordination of interventions,
• the digitalization of epidemiological surveillance,
• the decentralization of diagnosis,
• and the deployment of a vaccination campaign with the MVA-BN and LC16-m8 vaccines.

The Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) played a key role in the real-time management of the crisis, enabling rapid and appropriate decision-making.

The Minister commended the remarkable commitment of healthcare professionals, community health workers, and local populations, whose collaboration was essential in controlling the epidemic. He also expressed the Government's gratitude to technical and financial partners, including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the European Union, the United States, and the World Bank, for their crucial support.

While celebrating this progress, the Government calls for vigilance. Mpox remains present in some areas, and the risk of resurgence persists. To this end, a new strategic phase is underway, focusing on three key areas:
• transitioning from emergency response to resilience,
• financial reprogramming with accountability,
• and maintaining community vigilance.

“Health is now at the heart of our national sovereignty. Congo is no longer content to respond to crises: it anticipates them,” the Minister stressed.

This collective victory illustrates the Democratic Republic of Congo's ability to face major health challenges through coordinated action, a strong political will, and the mobilization of all stakeholders.

https://sante.gouv.cd/actualites/declaration-officielle-de-la-fin-de-lepidemie-de-mpox-en-republique-democratique-du-congo

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DRC: The alert for the Mpox epidemic has been lifted, but the virus continues to circulate

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, authorities lifted the national alert related to Mpox on Thursday, April 2, more than three years after the start of the epidemic, which was declared on December 16, 2022. More than 120,000 suspected cases have been identified and 2,254 deaths recorded. But the virus has not been completely eradicated.

Published on:04/04/2026 - 17:04
Modified on:04/04/2026 - 17:05

By : RFI
With our correspondent in Kinshasa, Paulina Zidi

Health Minister Samuel Kamba formalized the decision. " I officially declare the end of the mox epidemic as a national public health emergency ," he announced on April 2, almost four months to the day after the announcement of the end of the Ebola epidemic in the country.

Despite the lifting of the alert, authorities insist: the virus has not disappeared. " This is a victory against the epidemic, not against the virus ," emphasized Samuel Kamba. Mpox continues to circulate, albeit at a much lower level than at the height of the crisis.

The virus is still present

The minister noted that this epidemic was one of the most complex the country had experienced, with significant spread across the entire territory, particularly in the east, where the disease disproportionately affected camps for displaced persons. Moxa is endemic in the region, and its transmission has evolved, notably through close contact, including within families and during sexual intercourse.

To prevent further spread, the strategy now relies on enhanced surveillance and targeted vaccination . " The WHO has not recommended making this a routine vaccine. We will not make it a routine vaccine, but a response vaccine ," the minister explained, emphasizing its high cost. " We will continue, particularly in the provinces we call 'hotspots ,' to vaccinate around cases and vulnerable individuals ," he added.

A strengthened healthcare system

The response, which cost approximately $90 million, mobilized significant resources. The country received nearly 3.4 million doses of vaccine, of which 2.4 million have already been administered.

According to authorities, this crisis also leaves a lasting legacy, with a strengthened health system. The DRC now has 60 laboratories capable of carrying out sampling and analysis, as well as better-trained staff.

These advances should allow the country to better cope with other still-present epidemics, such as cholera or measles, which regularly experience outbreaks.

https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20260404-rdc-l-alerte-%C3%A0-l-%C3%A9pid%C3%A9mie-de-mpox-lev%C3%A9e-mais-le-virus-continue-de-circuler