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In August 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern following an alarming outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has spread to neighboring countries. The announcement came a day after the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared the outbreak a public health emergency of continental security. DR Congo alone has reported more than 30,000 cases and 990 deaths from the virus this year, mainly among children.
As the global health community springs into action to support the DRC’s government-led response, GeoPoll conducted a nationwide survey in the DRC to assess public awareness and concern about the mpox outbreak. The remote mobile phone-based survey addressed a number of topics related to the outbreak, including:
- Awareness of the mpox outbreak in the DRC
- Understanding of mpox transmission and symptoms
- Household and community mpox experience and risk
- Awareness of the mpox vaccine
- Intent to vaccinate for mpox and reasons for hesitancy
- Sources of mpox and public health information
- Assessment of the government’s reaction to the outbreak
Findings from the survey show that almost all respondents are aware of the current mpox outbreak in the DRC (92%), primarily hearing about it through social media. Most are also familiar with the symptoms and recommended prevention measures for the disease.
Vaccination presents a different story, however, with only 39% of respondents aware that an mpox vaccine is available, and only 35% likely to get the vaccine if it is. The primary drivers of hesitancy include uncertainty about the vaccine’s effectiveness, lack of knowledge/awareness, and potential health risks. Distrust of health facilities also presents an obstacle.
Click below to download GeoPoll’s full written report on the mpox outbreak in the DRC or scroll down to view the survey data in the interactive dashboard.
Interactive Data Dashboard
Dive deeper into GeoPoll’s data on the mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo using the interactive dashboard below. The dashboard provides responses to each question in the survey, filterable by gender, age group, and province.
Collect Data During Humanitarian Crisis with GeoPoll
GeoPoll is a full-service market and social research agency that conducts surveys via computer- assisted telephone interviewing (CATI), computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI), short message service (SMS), WhatsApp, and mobile web/mobile application communications. We also conduct online and offline qualitative research.
GeoPoll regularly conducts international development and humanitarian aid research for United Nations agencies, NGOs, governments, humanitarian groups and other stakeholders in the development and relief sectors.
In times of crisis, GeoPoll’s mobile surveys can reach aid beneficiaries and vulnerable populations to collect vital data on food security, disaster relief, and more. Our remote research capabilities and innovative technology platform allow GeoPoll to survey communities that are inaccessible following natural disasters, conflict, or disease outbreaks, enabling organizations to gather on-the-ground insights in real-time and disseminate information quickly and safely.
For more information about GeoPoll and this report, contact us today.