As the Mpox epidemic continues to represent a deadly health crisis in the DRC, with over 37,582 suspected cases and 1,042 deaths recorded between weeks 1 and 41 of 2024, IOM, in its capacity as co-leader of the "Points of Entry and Cross-Border Collaboration" sub-pillar, supports the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (COUSP) in three key areas: community surveillance at points of entry, risk communication and community engagement (RCCE), and capacity building at points of entry in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC). These interventions primarily target migrants and mobile populations, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and cross-border communities. 

The volume and ease of movement can pose unique challenges in the fight against infectious diseases, and a coordinated, systemic, and multisectoral approach is necessary to address them. Drawing on its expertise in health and human mobility, IOM strives to strengthen detection capacities and referral systems at priority points of entry. 

The Mpox epidemic affects all 26 provinces of the DRC, with South Kivu as the epicenter.  

In its efforts to strengthen its commitment to a partnership with the DRC Ministry of Health on migrant health, the IOM's support in cross-border surveillance has enabled the screening of  945,664 travelers over the last six months, 30% of whom were women, at the three priority entry points: Kamanyola, Kavimvira, and Ruzizi I. IOM has also supported awareness activities on preventive measures and best practices among travelers and cross-border communities. 

At the Kamanyola entry point, IOM has supported efforts to disinfect vehicles used to transport suspected cases to reduce the risk of disease spread. Additionally, between July and September 2024, 479 people were trained in cross-border surveillance of priority diseases at the main entry points of the DRC. Furthermore, the IOM actively participates in Mpox coordination platforms at continental, national, and sub-national levels, aiming to curb the cross-border spread of the epidemic. 

Dr. Aymen Jarboui, coordinator of IOM's migration and health program in the DRC, emphasized the need for cross-border and multisectoral collaboration to effectively contain the Mpox epidemic: "Our goal is to strengthen cross-border disease surveillance and preventive measures, especially along migration corridors," he explained.