Freelance photographer Moses Sawasawa, who has been collaborating with The Associated Press since 2021, has taken a powerful photo of a 90-year-old man suffering from mpox in the Congo. The image, taken just days after the World Health Organization declared mpox a global emergency, highlights the impact of the disease on adults, who make up 30% of cases in the region.
Sawasawa waited patiently for 20-30 minutes for the elderly man to wake up, capturing a poignant moment that tells a story of resilience and struggle. The photo, taken with a Sony a7R Mark IV and a 24-70mm GM 2.8 lens, features a shallow depth of field, blurring the vibrant colors of the man’s robe and emphasizing his weathered face.
Sawasawa’s work focuses on humanitarian issues, culture, health, and daily life, with a particular emphasis on capturing the beauty in difficult situations. His photograph has been praised for its unique perspective and ability to convey the human impact of the mpox outbreak.
