Official Statement by the Centre for Migrant and Refugee Health, Victoria, Australia
The Centre for Migrant and Refugee Health (CMRH) expresses deep concern over the recent public health crisis in the Panzi region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where a combination of viral respiratory infections, malaria, and acute malnutrition has resulted in nearly 900 illnesses and 48 fatalities, predominantly affecting children under the age of five.
We commend the World Health Organization (WHO) and local health authorities for their swift action in investigating and identifying the likely sources of what was initially considered a “mystery disease.” The findings emphasize the devastating impact of preventable and treatable conditions such as influenza, COVID-19, malaria, and malnutrition, particularly in vulnerable populations living in contexts of extreme poverty and food insecurity.
This crisis serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the root causes that exacerbate public health emergencies:
- Malnutrition and Food Insecurity: Malnutrition weakens immune systems, leaving individuals, particularly children, more susceptible to infections and severe illness.
- Limited Access to Healthcare: The lack of infrastructure, medical supplies, and affordable care in regions like Panzi contributes to high mortality rates from otherwise treatable conditions.
- Overlapping Crises: The DRC continues to face challenges from armed conflicts, infectious disease outbreaks such as mpox and measles, and systemic poverty, which compound the public health burden.
Rationale for Community Awareness
This outbreak not only highlights the urgent need for action within the DRC but also raises concerns for migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking populations who may travel back to their home countries, including Africa, to visit family and friends. Such visits increase the risk of contracting diseases like those identified in the DRC, potentially impacting their health and wellbeing overseas or leading to the importation of these illnesses into Australia.
As a hub for culturally and linguistically diverse communities, the CMRH recognizes the importance of raising awareness among migrants and refugees about the risks associated with travel to areas with limited healthcare access and ongoing public health crises. It is vital to ensure that travellers are informed, vaccinated, and equipped with resources to mitigate health risks both abroad and upon their return to Australia.
Call to Action
The Centre for Migrant and Refugee Health calls for an urgent and integrated global response to this crisis, including:
- Strengthening Healthcare Systems: Improved infrastructure, consistent medication supplies, and access to free or affordable care are critical to reducing preventable deaths.
- Nutrition and Food Support Programs: Combating malnutrition through targeted food assistance and nutrition education programs must be a priority.
- Malaria Control Measures: Investments in malaria prevention, such as insecticide-treated bed nets and antimalarial medications, are vital to reducing the disease burden.
- Community Health Education: Empowering local communities and travellers with knowledge and resources to identify and manage common diseases can save lives.
- Global Solidarity: Governments, NGOs, and international health organizations must unite to provide financial, technical, and logistical support to mitigate the crisis.
Commitment to Advocacy
As an organization committed to health equity and the well-being of vulnerable populations, the CMRH stands in solidarity with the people of the DRC. We echo the WHO’s recommendations and call on the international community to prioritize immediate and long-term interventions to prevent further loss of life and build resilience in affected regions.
We also urge migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers traveling overseas to be proactive in protecting their health by seeking travel health advice, staying informed about outbreaks, and taking necessary precautions. Together, we can work towards a future where no child dies from treatable conditions, and every individual has access to the care and resources they need to thrive.
For more information, please contact:
Centre for Migrant and Refugee Health
Email: info@cmrh.org
Phone: +614 92936 864
Empowering communities, improving health, and promoting equity.
