In recent weeks, mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has been spreading in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). As of August 23, 2024, the African Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported 17,342 suspected cases, 3,167 confirmed cases, and 582 deaths.

At a press conference on August 19, Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba announced a $49 million plan to combat the disease. The monies will be used for awareness campaigns, deploying teams, and treating patients. However, they will not cover vaccination, though it is a “key measure” in fighting the outbreak. 

"We need about 3.5 million doses, but these vaccines are very expensive. Three million doses of vaccine cost $600 million," Kamba explained. Covering the country's vaccine needs would cost $700 million, slightly over 4% of the national budget.

The minister, however, reassured: "I can reassure you that thanks to Belgium, we're going to have 215,000 doses, that's not even the tenth. Thanks to Japan, we should have 3 million doses, and the United States is still deciding how many we're sending because they need these vaccines themselves." The day after the press conference, August 20, the U.S. announced $35 million in aid to help the DRC fight against mpox. The country expects the first vaccines this week. 

Samuel Roger Kamba has been the Minister of Health since March 2023. Before this, the 30-year experienced physician served as an advisor to the President on Universal Health Coverage. He also coordinated the Presidential Task Force against Covid-19 in 2020.

Servan Ahougnon