Jean Kaseya, the head of the African Union’s health agency the Africa CDC, has labelled the situation in Goma as a “genuine public health emergency,” warning that the conflict could trigger epidemic outbreaks.
Earlier this week the armed group M23 took control of much of Goma, capital of the North Kivu province in eastern DRC, with the assistance of the Rwandan army. M23 is now advancing into South Kivu with the stated aim of reaching Kinshasa, the capital city of DRC.
Kaseya warned that current extreme conditions, combined with insecurity and massive population displacements, have spurred the mutation of the mpox virus. With its population of three million, including one million displaced, Goma has become the epicentre of mpox infections. The virus has now spread to 21 African countries, Kaseya stated in a letter to African leaders on Friday.
“This is not just a security issue but a genuine public health emergency,” he emphasised. Kaseya called for an end to the conflict, cautioning that without decisive action, uncontrolled outbreaks of major epidemics and potential pandemics could devastate economies and societies across the continent.
The situation has also led to widespread outbreaks of measles, cholera, and other diseases, resulting in thousands of fatalities.
