On October 5, 2024, Congo commenced mpox vaccinations in response to a major outbreak declared a global emergency by the WHO. The campaign began in Goma, with 265,000 doses provided by international partners, amid a backdrop of over 30,000 suspected cases in the country. The initiative targets at-risk adults and frontline workers, while future supplies and strategies are in development to further address this public health crisis affecting the region.
On October 5, 2024, health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo launched their vaccination campaign against mpox, earlier known as monkeypox. This initiative comes nearly two months after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak, which originated in Congo and spread to other African countries, as a global emergency. A total of 265,000 doses of the vaccine, donated by the European Union and the United States, were distributed in Goma, located in North Kivu province—a region that has experienced overwhelming strain on its healthcare system due to the rising number of mpox cases and an emerging, potentially more infectious strain of the virus. Congo has reported approximately 30,000 suspected cases and 859 deaths attributed to mpox, accounting for over 80% of cases and 99% of deaths reported in Africa this year. Notably, though a majority of infections and fatalities involve children under the age of 15, the current vaccination campaign is primarily aimed at at-risk adults and frontline healthcare workers. Health Minister Roger Kamba indicated, “Strategies have been put in place by the services in order to vaccinate all targeted personnel.” In the forthcoming days, Congo anticipates receiving at least 3 million doses of the vaccine that has been approved for use in children, supplied by Japan. Historically, mpox has circulated largely unnoticed in Africa until the global outbreak that spurred a rapid response from wealthier nations, providing vaccines from their reserves while Africa struggled to procure sufficient doses despite urgent requests from its leaders. Unlike the previous global outbreak, which primarily affected gay and bisexual men, the current transmission of mpox in Africa is attributed to both sexual contact and close interactions among vulnerable groups, including children and pregnant women, as explained by Dr. Dimie Ogoina, chair of the WHO’s mpox emergency committee. This year alone, Africa has recorded over 34,000 suspected cases and 866 deaths attributed to mpox, representing a 200% increase from the same period last year. Dr. Jean Kaseya, leader of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, confirmed that the continent has secured commitments for only 5.9 million doses of mpox vaccines to be delivered between October and December, with Congo being a high priority for distribution. Additionally, in Goma, Dr. Jean Bruno Ngenze, the WHO representative in North Kivu, expressed concerns about the potential for a significant outbreak, particularly in displacement camps where conditions have been exacerbated by ongoing conflict. The commencement of the vaccination initiative has instilled a sense of optimism among the local populace and health workers, particularly in hospitals strained by the crisis. Dr. Musole Mulambamunva Robert, the medical director at Kavumu Hospital, acknowledged, “If everyone could be vaccinated, it would be even better to stop the spread of the disease.” The eastern regions of Congo have been ravaged by armed conflict for many years, with myriad militia groups vying for control, contributing to one of the worst humanitarian crises in the region.
The current outbreak of mpox in Congo has been particularly severe, impacting a nation that has recorded the highest number of cases in the region. The World Health Organization’s declaration of a global emergency emphasized the urgency of controlling the spread, not only within Congo but also as it threatens to affect neighboring nations. As vaccination efforts roll out, there is a sense of urgency to protect vulnerable populations, especially children, while challenges remain in securing an adequate supply of vaccines for a continent that has faced significant disparities in access to healthcare resources compared to wealthier regions.
The launch of mpox vaccinations in Congo represents a critical step in managing an outbreak that has severely impacted the country and poses risk to the broader African continent. While initial doses are being administered to high-risk groups, the ongoing conflict and healthcare challenges threaten the efficacy of these efforts. The commitment from international partners and the hopes of local health officials inclines toward a coordinated effort to curb the spread of mpox and protect vulnerable populations.
Original Source: apnews.com
