Mpox Patients Struggle with Lack of Medicine and Food in Eastern DR Congo Hospital
In the heart of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, patients battling Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) face a dire situation as they endure not only the pain of the disease but also the harsh realities of insufficient medical supplies and food shortages. The hospital, located in a conflict-affected region, has become a stark symbol of the ongoing health crisis in the country.
Healthcare workers at the facility, already grappling with limited resources, have raised alarms over the increasing number of Mpox cases. “Our pharmacy shelves are nearly empty. We lack antiviral medications, painkillers, and basic equipment to treat the infected,” said Dr. Jean Kasongo, a senior doctor at the hospital. He added that the facility receives no consistent supply of food, leaving many patients malnourished and unable to recover fully.
Mpox, a viral zoonotic disease, is endemic to certain parts of Africa. It manifests with fever, swollen lymph nodes, and painful skin lesions. However, the current outbreak in the DRC is exacerbated by the region's instability, poverty, and limited access to healthcare infrastructure.
Families of the affected have been forced to step in, bringing food from home when possible. However, with widespread poverty and inflation, even this has become a luxury. “My brother has been here for two weeks, and I cannot afford to bring him food every day,” lamented a worried relative.
The hospital has made repeated appeals to the government and international aid organizations for support, but assistance has been slow to arrive. Humanitarian agencies have cited security challenges in accessing the region as a significant barrier to delivering aid.
The crisis in eastern DR Congo extends beyond Mpox. Years of armed conflict have displaced millions, destroyed livelihoods, and weakened health systems. The situation highlights the urgent need for global attention and coordinated efforts to address both the immediate and underlying challenges facing the region.
Without swift intervention, health workers warn that the Mpox outbreak could worsen, further straining the fragile healthcare system. “We need the world to act now,” pleaded Dr. Kasongo. “These patients are not just statistics; they are people with families and futures.”
As the crisis continues, hope rests on the shoulders of humanitarian workers and the possibility of international aid reaching the beleaguered hospital.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0