Uvira: a conjunctivitis epidemic affects more than 100 prisoners in the Mulunge penitentiary institution

The conjunctivitis epidemic, commonly known as "Appolo," is rampant in the Mulunge urban prison in the city of Uvira, South Kivu.

This information was delivered on Wednesday, February 21, by the spokesperson of the civil society consultation framework and pro-democracy activist from LUCHA, François Igilima. He states that out of a total of 603 inmates, 100 are affected by the disease.

François Igilima also emphasizes that the threat is very high due to the fact that there are no more cells available to confine and isolate these patients in the prison.

Contacted by Radio Okapi, the chief physician of the Uvira health zone, Dr. Panzu Nimi, reported that among the sick prisoners, 65 were isolated last Monday and treated by a local partner NGO.

He added that other measures have already been taken to limit the spread of the disease, namely, prohibiting visits to these cells in the prison.

Dr. Panzu Nimi also states that the conjunctivitis epidemic affects the entire Uvira health zone.