Helping the youngest victims of mpox

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it is children under the age of 15 who are most affected by the mpox epidemic, accounting for over 60% of notified cases at the beginning of the response. Beyond the statistics, the impact on their daily lives is immense: some become isolated, unable to attend school or play with their friends, and, in some cases, are separated from their parents or families.

“I had heard that if the rash appeared, the person would be separated from their family,” says Benjamin, an 8-year-old patient at the Bisengimana treatment centre in North Kivu province.

Scared, Benjamin hid his symptoms until his mother discovered the rash while bathing him. He was then taken to the UNICEF-supported medical centre to receive appropriate care and treatment.

In September 2024, UNICEF launched its mpox response in line with the overall national plan. Work has included expanding the capacity of treatment centres and strengthening the quality of care provided to patients, including food and nutrition support.

“Since the centre opened, we have consistently provided three daily meals to patients and their caregivers,” explains Prudent Amuli, a nutritionist, during the lunchtime meal distribution.

At the start of the epidemic, some treatment centres did not provide food to patients, leading many to return home to eat, significantly increasing the risk of disease transmission.

Nutritional support is particularly vital for children. Children who contract mpox are at greater risk of serious – even life-threatening – complications when they suffer from malnutrition.

Ishara, a six-month-old baby, exemplifies the importance of this approach. When he arrived at the centre, he weighed only 5 kilograms. In ten days, thanks to a diet enriched with therapeutic milk, he gained almost a kilo and is steadily progressing toward a healthy weight, which is typically between 6 and 9 kilograms.

“I’ve noticed a change since he started taking the therapeutic milk: he’s gaining weight, and his health is improving,” says his mother, hopeful about the treatment's outcome.

Psychological support is also a cornerstone of the response. Four-year-old Ombeni and her mother Rebecca were able to discuss their fears with Donald Muhanza, a psychologist at the centre.

“Ombeni and her mother were very anxious about this disease, which they didn’t understand,” Dr Muhanza says. Through several discussions with the psychologist, mother and daughter were able to better understand the disease and prepare for their return home.

Dr. Muhanza connects families with para-social workers, who support social workers in the community. He facilitated the return home for Ombeni and her mother.

“We have already sensitized the community to limit the risk of stigmatization upon their return,” he explains. “We will also provide psychological follow-up support for the family to see how they are doing after leaving the hospital.”

For children whose parents are hospitalized, nurseries have been set up near treatment centres. These spaces offer a safe and welcoming environment where children can be cared for while their parents are receiving treatment, just a few meters away from the nurseries.

Destin, a nine-month-old baby, is cared for at one of these nurseries in Goma.

“Children whose parents are sick cannot stay with them, so we take care of them in the nursery,” explains Francine Erungu, a childcare worker.

A mother of five herself, Francine understands the importance of this support in helping young children through such a difficult time. In addition to round-the-clock care, the children also receive specialized psychological and nutritional support.

With support from the USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the Pandemic Fund and the Mastercard Foundation, UNICEF and its partners are providing critical support to children affected by mpox and their families.