Democratic Republic of Congo News

Communities mobilize to end Guinea-worm disease in the Democratic Republic of the Co...

Businga, Democratic Republic of the Congo – Salomon Kosoma, a fisherman and farmer in the north-west of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is also a community mobilizer with a strong commitment to the prevention and control of Guinea-worm disease also known as dracunculiasis. In his fifties, Salomon decided to be part of the control effort when he realized the harmful health consequences of this neglected tropical disease. "I first heard about this disease during a polio vaccination campaign. That was in 2016," explains Salomon.

Protecting at-risk populations from mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the hardest hit country in the African region by mpox outbreak, accounting for about 80% of laboratory-confirmed cases and deaths reported across the continent this year. While mpox is primarily transmitted through close physical contact, it can affect anyone. Vulnerable populations are at a heightened risk of infection and severe illness.

Decentralizing testing for rapid mpox detection in the Democratic Republic of the Co...

Kinshasa – To ensure adequate and prompt detection of mpox cases, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is decentralizing laboratory services and accelerating efforts to curb the disease through close coordination with support from partners, including World Health Organization (WHO), who are providing critical diagnostic equipment and supplies to bolster the outbreak response.