Businesswoman Mary Malisi frequently crosses the border for her hotel business, sourcing grain from markets in Uganda for her establishment in Malaba, a bustling town that straddles both Kenya and Uganda. Malaba, a vital transit point for over 2,000 trucks daily, is one of East Africa’s busiest routes, filled with diverse cultures and constant activity.
On August 14, a new strain of the mpox virus, Clade 1b, was declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO), sparking concern among frequent travelers like Malisi. Recently, the first case of this virus was recorded at the border—a truck driver who had traveled from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), through Uganda, and into Kenya, before falling ill upon his return to Uganda. Although he has since recovered, the incident has heightened awareness and caution in the region.
Health authorities in both Kenya and Uganda have ramped up border surveillance. Malisi has noticed the increased precautions, including mandatory hand washing and health checks upon entering both countries. “When I come back to Kenya, I have to be tested. Some people are taken for further examinations when they show symptoms,” she explained, noting that these measures, though reminiscent of the COVID-19 pandemic, are reassuring.
The Clade 1b variant of mpox has already infected over 19,000 people, primarily in the DRC, with cases also emerging in neighboring Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya—countries previously untouched by mpox. The DRC has reported more than 500 deaths from the virus since last year.
The DRC’s 2023 outbreak of this more dangerous mutation, traced back to a gold mining area in South Kivu, has spread rapidly. This area, populated by miners from Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, often sees cross-border movement through informal routes, complicating efforts to contain the virus.
Mpox spreads through close contact, including skin-to-skin interaction, sexual activity, and even proximity during conversations. In the DRC, where the disease has been endemic for decades, it causes flu-like symptoms and painful lesions that can be fatal.
Dr. Pierre Olivier, who works with Medair at a treatment center in Goma, North Kivu, has dealt with various crises in the DRC, including Ebola, COVID-19, measles, and cholera. He expressed concern over the stigma now associated with mpox, particularly in South Kivu, where fear of the disease’s link to sexual contact is causing some to avoid seeking medical help. “By the time they seek help, it’s more difficult to treat them,” he said.
The security situation in the region further complicates the response to the outbreak. Armed groups, including M23, have intensified conflicts in eastern DRC, displacing millions of people who now live in overcrowded camps with limited access to basic necessities, including clean water and medical care.
In Goma’s Muja displacement camp, Ayona Munyakazia and his family are among those affected by the conflict. They fear the spread of mpox, especially as they are warned against venturing into the forest to gather food or even interacting closely with others in the crowded camp. “But how can we avoid touching each other when so many of us are sharing tent space?” he questioned.
Olivier shared the challenges of working in such conditions, where maintaining hygiene is difficult. “The situation in the camps festers the disease. People cannot keep personal distance, and water, which is crucial for hygiene, is scarce. Hand washing becomes a luxury for many,” he said.
The WHO plans to deploy vaccines to combat the outbreak, but delays have hampered efforts. In contrast, Nigeria, which has reported 40 cases, recently received 10,000 vaccine doses from the United States, making it the first African country to receive the jab.
Dr. Samoel Ashimosi Khamadi of the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) voiced concerns that the outbreak is not receiving the attention it deserves. “Vaccines are crucial in preventing the spread of the virus, and we need a swift response, especially in Central and West Africa,” he emphasized.
As experts struggle to keep up with the virus’s rapid changes, WHO’s Hans Kluge warned that how the world responds to mpox will be a critical test. “We must tackle mpox together across regions and continents, or we risk entering another cycle of panic and neglect,” he said.
Back at the Kenya-Uganda border, life continues despite the concerns. Malisi makes another trip to the Ugandan market, where prices remain favorable. Yet, the conversation has shifted—more people are talking about mpox, wondering how best to protect themselves and their loved ones as the world waits for the outbreak to subside.
