Donation of mpox Vaccines Reaches Nigeria Instead of DR Congo

The first 10,000 mpox vaccines donated by the US government have arrived in Africa, but are being sent to Nigeria instead of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), where the epidemic originated. Nigerian health authorities had already launched a campaign to secure the vaccines early on after the outbreak in 2022. Despite no deaths and Clade 1b cases in Nigeria, the situation in DR Congo remains dire with over 18,000 cases and 615 deaths this year.

Pledges and Challenges in Vaccine Distribution

Various countries and organizations have pledged donations totaling over 4 million doses of mpox vaccines for Africa. However, challenges in distribution and costs hinder access to vaccines in many African countries. A complicated approval process by the WHO has slowed down the purchase of vaccines by international agencies.

The Way Forward in Combatting the Epidemic

Experts emphasize the need to concentrate vaccines in DR Congo to prevent further spread to other countries. The development of child-friendly vaccines and ensuring their effective distribution are crucial in curbing the spread of mpox. The WHO’s efforts to increase staff and access to vaccines in affected countries are important steps in combatting the epidemic.

Overall, a collaborative and concerted effort is needed to address the challenges in vaccine distribution, production, and access in African countries for effective control of the mpox epidemic.

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