The vibrant nightlife in Kamituga, driven by gold-diggers, hawkers, and prostitutes, has been linked to the growing mpox outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Some residents, like Bitama Sebuhuni, a prospector hospitalized with mpox, warn that the lifestyle in Kamituga can lead to risky behaviors, including unprotected sex, which increases the risk of transmission.
A patient infected with mpox shows lesions on his body at the treatment centre in Kamituga, South Kivu province in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo on September 20, 2024. – Kamituga, one of the localities hardest hit by the epidemic with around a thousand confirmed cases, will be one of the first to receive the doses, according to the provincial health authorities. Kamituga, one of the localities hardest hit by the epidemic with around a thousand confirmed cases, will be one of the first to receive the doses, according to the provincial health authorities. (Photo by Glody MURHABAZI / AFP)
Renowned for its goldmines, Kamituga is considered the epicenter of the mpox epidemic that has affected the Democratic Republic of Congo since September. The town’s abandoned mineral veins, once exploited by Belgian companies, have attracted a diverse population of prospectors seeking their fortune.
The town of Kamituga, despite its official population of 300,000, is believed to have a much larger population. The influx of people attracted by the gold mines has led to a boom in various businesses, including gold-buying bureaus, mining equipment shops, and nightclubs.
These establishments, where close physical contact is common, create an ideal environment for the spread of mpox. After a day of hard work in the mines, many prospectors seek relaxation and companionship in these establishments, contributing to the transmission of the virus.
The term “atmosphere” in Kamituga often refers to women, prostitutes, and alcohol. Bitama Sebuhuni, a prospector being treated for mpox, acknowledged engaging in risky behaviors, such as unprotected sex with prostitutes.
The Kamituga hospital’s mpox isolation center is a stark contrast to the chaotic town center. Dr. Dally Muamba Kambaji, working with ALIMA, highlighted that around 20 percent of their patients contracted mpox through sexual transmission, emphasizing the importance of using condoms as a preventive measure.
The hospital’s doctors were among the first to identify the resurgence of mpox in September 2023. They noticed unusual skin lesions on a nightclub manager and subsequently observed similar symptoms in other women frequenting the same nightclub. This led to the raising of the alarm regarding the potential outbreak.
The “Mambengeti” nightclub, known locally as a hotspot for mpox transmission, has closed its doors. However, its name has become synonymous with the disease itself. Prostitutes in Kamituga play a significant role in the spread of mpox, operating in specific areas of the town and even forming their own association. Members of this association, who come from both within and outside the Democratic Republic of Congo, gather in a hidden bar located in a maze of alleyways.
The “Sage’s Corner” bar, a popular gathering place for gold panners, traders, and even an intelligence officer, was known for its lively atmosphere. This establishment served as a hub for social interaction and information exchange within the community.
A group of around a dozen members of the prostitutes’ association gathered at the bar, enjoying lukewarm beers on shabby sofas. One of the members, Nicole Mubukwa, was not hesitant to speak on camera despite the social stigma associated with her profession in the region. She was dressed in a striking manner, with heavy makeup, a blonde wig tucked under a scarf, false eyelashes, and large gold earrings.
Nicole Mubukwa believes that increased visibility could be beneficial for the association, especially considering the negative impact of mpox on their business. The outbreak has led to a significant decline in customers, as many women choose to hide their diagnosis to avoid losing income.
Alice, another member of the association, shared her experience of being infected with mpox without knowing it. This caused significant difficulties for her, as she was unable to engage in her work. She emphasized the stigma surrounding mpox, comparing it to the situation with AIDS, where people often hide their diagnosis.Alice revealed that she earns between 3,000 and 10,000 Congolese francs (approximately one to three and a half dollars) for each engagement. The relatively low wages in her hometown of Bukavu motivated her to seek better opportunities in Kamituga.
The decision to work as a prostitute was made by Nicole Mubukwa of her own free will, although she acknowledged the influence of the madam sitting nearby. However, another anonymous prostitute interviewed at the hospital revealed a different reality, where young women are tricked into prostitution by gangs of pimps. These pimps offer false promises of jobs as waitresses in Kamituga, only to later demand payment for the transportation costs.
Despite the poor road conditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, mpox has spread throughout South Kivu province. As a result, South Kivu has become the epicenter of the mpox epidemic in the country, which itself is the worst-affected region in Africa.
The vibrant nightlife in Kamituga, driven by gold-diggers, hawkers, and prostitutes, has been linked to the growing mpox outbreak, with risky behaviors contributing to the transmission of the virus.