DRC Reports Decline in Monkeypox Cases, Around 300 New Infections Weekly

Kinshasa | January 1, 2026 - Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo report a notable decline in monkeypox cases, with approximately 250 to 300 new infections recorded each week, according to officials from the National Institute of Public Health (INSP). Speaking at a press conference held on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, the coordinator of the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHOOC), Christian Ngandu, said that only 19 health zones reported monkeypox cases in December 2025, compared to much higher figures earlier in the outbreak. “Regarding monkeypox, the data is declining,” Ngandu stated. “Initially, we were receiving about 2,000 notifications per week, but currently, the number has dropped to between 250 and 300.” He noted that between 2024 and November 2025, authorities had anticipated the disease would affect 401 health zones nationwide. However, in December, reports were limited to just 19 zones. According to Ngandu, a significant number of the affected health zones are located in North Kivu and South Kivu, provinces facing persistent insecurity, as well as in Sankuru Province. Health officials continue to monitor the situation, warning that insecurity in certain regions remains a challenge to effective disease surveillance and response.