Strengthening the Health System's Response and Resilience to the Mpox Epidemic in the DRC

Background

Faced with the alarming spread of the Mpox virus (monkeypox) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the healthcare system is facing major challenges in terms of epidemiological surveillance, patient care, and disease prevention. The project, which is part of the European Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies (MAV+) program, aims to strengthen the system so that it can respond to health emergencies and risks.

Financial partner

Location

Objectives

Strengthen the resilience of the health system in the face of emergencies and health risks through better preparedness and response to epidemics in seven provinces (40 health zones) with EU funding (North Kivu, Haut-Uele, Ituri, Kasaï-Central, Lomami, Kongo-Central, and Kasaï-Oriental);
Responding to the Mpox emergency in 22 hotspot areas in nine provinces (South Kivu, Equateur, Sankuru, South Ubangi, Tshopo, Tshuapa, Bas-Uele, North Kivu, and Kinshasa), including four health zones covered by Ucoopia (formerly ULB-Coopération) (North and South Kivu, Lomani, and Tshopo).

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Expected impacts

A healthcare system that detects epidemics earlier and has effective procedures (including access to vaccines and protective equipment) in place to deal with future epidemics.
Populations that know how to recognize the signs of Mpox and adopt best practices to limit contagion.

Expected results

Improved access to healthcare and vaccination services.
Better management of epidemics and health emergencies.
Strengthening coordination between healthcare stakeholders.
Increased capacity for disease diagnosis and prevention.

Beneficiaries

More than 14 million people, including 600,000 pregnant women and 2.5 million children under the age of 5
Healthcare professionals

Video

Operational partners

Malteser International
MEMISA
Ucoopia (formerly ULB-Coopération)
Other partners: WHO, UNICEF, DRC Ministry of Health, Provincial Health Divisions (DPS), and several local and international actors involved in health system resilience.