PERAN WHO DALAM MITIGASI VIRUS MPOX DI REPUBLIK DEMOKRATIK KONGO (RDK)

MPOX was first identified in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970 and has since spread to various African countries. By 2022, cases surged dramatically, with the DRC reporting over 30,000 cases and 1,000 deaths by 2024. This increase highlights the critical role of the World Health Organization (WHO) in mitigating MPOX, particularly in strengthening the healthcare system, early detection, and developing effective control strategies. This study employs a descriptive qualitative research method with a literature review approach. Primary data were obtained from WHO and CDC Africa reports, while secondary data were collected from scientific journals and official news portals. The findings indicate that WHO serves as a facilitator and mediator in MPOX mitigation in the DRC. WHO declared MPOX a global health emergency, distributed vaccines, provided medical assistance, and established research laboratories. Additionally, WHO actively engages in public awareness campaigns and facilitates cooperation between the Congolese government and international organizations to enhance the country’s healthcare capacity. WHO also promotes health security by strengthening epidemiological surveillance, accelerating outbreak responses, and ensuring the preparedness of healthcare personnel. Through these measures, WHO contributes significantly to controlling MPOX and reinforcing the resilience of the DRC’s healthcare system against future outbreaks.