DRC is seeing its worst mpox outbreak — but has no vaccines or treatments yet. Why?
With nearly 5,000 cases reported so far this year — and concerns about a new strain — the Democratic Republic of Congo is considering the declaration of a public health emergency.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the fight against mpox – previously known as monkeypox – is entering a new phase.
While many are anxious to contain the outbreak – the largest mpox outbreak ever recorded in the DRC with more than 4,500 cases so far this year – experts say that's not yet possible: There are no vaccines or treatments in the country right now, and even the testing capacity is severely limited. Instead, this new phase of the mpox fight involves simply getting a better understanding of what exactly is going on.
"We've been doing a lot of groundwork and building support and trying to strengthen things. And now, I hope, we're at a pivot point," says of the U.S.
