DRC - Monkeypox Cases Declining: Around 300 Weekly Reports

Kinshasa, January 1, 2026 The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is currently reporting approximately 300 cases of monkeypox per week, a significant decrease compared to previous months, according to Christian Ngandu, coordinator of the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHOOC) at the National Institute of Public Health (INSP). During a press briefing in Kinshasa on December 31, 2025, Ngandu explained that 19 health zones reported cases in December, down from initial expectations of 401 zones between 2024 and November 2025. “Initially, we were receiving about 2,000 notifications per week, but currently, we have between 250 and 300,” he said, highlighting the encouraging trend in the reduction of new cases. Most of the reported cases are concentrated in North Kivu and South Kivu, areas affected by insecurity, as well as in Sankuru. Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and urge communities to remain vigilant and follow recommended public health measures to prevent further spread.