Nigeria received 10,000 doses of mpox vaccines on Tuesday, making it the first African country to receive vaccines aimed at combatting the spread of the new strain of mpox virus.
On 14 August 2024, the chief of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the rise of mpox, previously known as monkeypox, a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). Following this announcement, the chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stated that efforts were being made to ensure equitable access to vaccines in collaboration with partners.
The United States government donated the Jynneos (MVA) vaccine to Nigeria, to be distributed in five states where the highest number of mpox cases have been reported.
“We are pleased to receive this initial donation of the mpox vaccine which is safe and effective,” said Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Muhammad Ali Pate. “We will continue to strengthen surveillance to prevent and control mpox cases.”
Vaccine Administration
The MVA vaccine will be administered in a two-dose schedule to 5,000 individuals at highest risk of the virus. This includes close contacts of mpox cases and frontline healthcare workers, with provisions for reactive vaccination in other states as needed, as stated by WHO’s regional office for Africa.
While waiting for vaccine administration, Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has approved the emergency use of the vaccine.
“The delivery of the mpox vaccines to Nigeria is crucial in halting the virus and safeguarding public health. It demonstrates international solidarity in the face of global health emergencies,” commented Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
Gaps in Vaccine Access
WHO’s Africa office acknowledges “serious gaps in mpox vaccine access” across Africa and is working with countries and manufacturers to improve access to these vaccines.
Additionally, WHO is collaborating with partners like UNICEF to facilitate donations from countries with surplus vaccine stockpiles. A donation scheme is being developed to ensure the limited vaccines are used in areas where they are most needed.
WHO’s Africa office is supporting the Nigerian Government in enhancing surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory capacity, risk communication, and community engagement as the country has recorded 786 suspected mpox cases and 39 confirmed cases as of 10 August 2024.
Health officials are also implementing early case detection, increasing cross-border surveillance, particularly at entry points throughout Nigeria.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.