The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other African nations could begin mpox vaccinations within days, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The agency has been coordinating with countries facing mpox outbreaks to prepare for the vaccine rollout, which is expected to be supported by pledges from the European Union, vaccine manufacturer Bavarian Nordic, the United States, and Japan.
The World Health Organization recently declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years, as a new variant of the virus has spread rapidly across Africa.
Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya stated at a briefing that vaccinations have not yet begun but are anticipated to start in a few days, contingent on the readiness of logistics and supply chain management. Vaccines are expected to arrive in the DRC and other affected countries by the end of next week.
“We must ensure that our supply chain and logistics are fully prepared to safely store and administer the vaccines,” Kaseya said. He added that studies on vaccine efficacy would continue in Africa to determine which vaccines are most effective in different contexts.
In the past week, African nations reported over 1,400 new mpox cases, bringing the total number of cases in the 12 countries affected to nearly 19,000 since the beginning of 2024. This represents a more than 100% increase compared to the same period last year. Kaseya noted that it is too early to determine if the outbreaks are improving.
Mpox, which causes pus-filled lesions and flu-like symptoms, is typically mild but can be fatal. Multiple strains are currently circulating in Africa.
Kaseya also urged for solidarity and fair treatment from international partners, stressing the need for adequate support in medical counter-measures. “We need appropriate support for increased testing and vaccine access,” he said, emphasizing the importance of avoiding travel bans and unfair treatment similar to that experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
