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Since September 2023, the Rodolphe Mérieux Laboratory INRB Goma (RML-Goma), the twenty-second laboratory of the GABRIEL Network, has been leading the biological response to Clade Ib MPXV in the highly challenging context of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).  

Despite recurrent security incidents in Goma and surrounding areas since late January, the most critical activities remain ongoing, including biological and genomic surveillance, diagnosis, translational research, and training. These activities are conducted to support the efforts engaged to contain the spread of mpox in the region.  

Staff dedication, partner support, and tailored leadership have been pivotal in developing a tremendous testing capacity across five provinces in eastern DRC. Multilateral collaboration, including support from the Mérieux Foundation, has enabled molecular assays at RML-Goma. From February to July 2025, approximately 5,000 mpox samples were tested, of which 1,479 were positive. Among the positive samples, 100 were sequenced using targeted genomics to study viral evolution and genetic diversity. 

Despite security issues, RML-Goma has expanded its mpox testing capacity to two laboratories in Beni and Butembo cities, located about 350 km from Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. As a result, we have observed a significant decrease in turn-around time for result delivery, a substantial reduction in sample shipment costs,  faster decision-making by local public health staff, and reduced operational and administrative disputes linked to political leadership issues. 

Despite the tremendous progress made, RML-Goma still faces significant challenges. These include logistics, supply chain replenishment, financial operations, power supply, and administrative organization. To address these issues and ensure the continuous operation of this valuable public health tool, coordinated and sustained multilateral efforts remain essential, despite ongoing security concerns. 

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