Over 900 people fell ill from mystery “Disease X” between October and December 2024 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This unknown virus circulated throughout the country, specifically in rural regions, putting many people without easy access to healthcare facilities at risk. The circulation of this disease resulted in 48 deaths, underscoring the urge to enhance primary healthcare (PHC).
Rural communities are at a higher risk of infection due to the lack of accessible roads to access health centers. The previous year’s rainy season caused many roads to be impassible, resulting in national and international health experts to have trouble reaching villages to provide the necessary care. In the DRC, many sick people were unable to get treatment, increasing the spread of Disease X. Many marginalized communities in rural areas have tremendous trouble reaching healthcare providers due to long distances and the lack of local healthcare workers. Strengthening primary healthcare in rural areas could have eliminated the preliminary spread of Disease X.
Primary healthcare improvements push for early disease detection and prevention to reduce preventable diseases in underfunded communities. PHC also pushes forth for a more equitable healthcare approach by reducing health disparities and giving access to basic health needs, regardless of socioeconomic status. By focusing on accessible, community-based care, PHC promotes healthier lifestyles, empowering individuals to take control of their well-being. Additionally, it reduces the burden on more expensive healthcare services by managing conditions at their onset, leading to long-term savings for both individuals and the healthcare system.
On December 27, 2024, Disease X was classified as an acute respiratory infection exasperated by malaria and malnutrition that spread through the Kwango Province. According to the DRC government, “almost 40% of the population in this region is malnourished and the WHO says, in recent months, the level of acute malnutrition has increased.” Malnourishment leads to weakened immune systems, making the likelihood of contracting a disease much more probable, especially in young children, which are the most infected population. Primary healthcare providers can support those with malnutrition by providing them with therapeutic feeding centers and educational materials that emphasize the importance of proper nutrition.
Michael Osterholm — director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota — stated that outbreaks similar to that in the DRC occur around the world frequently and are typically a known illness amplified by an underlying health condition. The need for a strong primary healthcare system can eliminate the amount of global “Disease X” outbreaks and provide people with the healthcare they deserve.
By Diya Mehta