The outbreak of charcoal thr bacteria has worsened the worsening security situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), increasing humanitarian needs and further restricting access to basic services. The escalating crisis is widening the key gap between healthcare and protection amid a wider surge in infectious diseases.
And the DRC is facing one of the world’s most complicated displacement crisis since the M23 rebels advanced earlier this year, with nearly 7 million people forced to displace violence. According to the United Nations Immigration Agency (IOM).
Displaced people living in overcrowded, unreliable camps become increasingly vulnerable to both illness and attack.
In January 2025 alone, more than 660,000 people have been forced to flee the Goma region after government forces lost control of the major cities to Bukabu and the south.
Turning point
According to the IOM, the scale of the domestic humanitarian needs has reached a turning point, with MPOX and charcoal thr bacteria ongoing in the east.
Both MPOX and charcoal thr bacteria usually affect livestock and other animals, but food insecurity caused by ongoing conflict, combined with the unsanitary living conditions of displacement camps, increases the risk of infecting humans.
Dangerous infections
Both potentially fatal infections can contract through contact with infected or contaminated animals. Charcoal thr bacteria are not generally contagious, but MPOX is highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO).
MPOX is usually accompanied by fever and rash and rarely requires hospitalization, but all human cases of charcoal thr bacteria have been added by the United Nations Health Organization.
Since March 22, 16 human cases have been reported suspected of 16 human cases, including one confirmed case, after dozens of buffalo and hippo deaths in Birnga National Park from charcoal thr poisoning. One person has died so far.
Outbreak response
An assessment is conducted in the eastern part of the DRC to determine the risk of charcoal thr infections throughout the region.
Both MPOX and charcoal thrax are antibiotic-treated and preventable through vaccination, so they employ a unified approach and work to prevent future outbreaks by prioritizing human, animal and environmental safety.
Recognition campaigns and efforts are currently underway to vaccinate livestock against charcoal thr bacteria.
