Congo's Fight Against Mpox: Vaccine Arrives Amidst Global Health Emergency

The Democratic Republic of Congo, facing an mpox outbreak, expects its first vaccine doses shortly. Despite a U.N. health emergency declaration, vaccine shortages and logistical challenges have hampered efforts. WHO and the EU are assisting, but the country needs improved communication and resources to effectively deploy vaccines across its vast expanse.

The Democratic Republic of Congo, the epicenter of an mpox outbreak that led to a U.N. declaration of a global public health emergency, is set to receive its first vaccine doses on Thursday and a second delivery on Saturday. Efforts to curb the disease's spread have been hampered by vaccine shortages.

"We'll receive the first batch on Sept. 5 and a second one on Sept. 7," said Cris Kacita, head of Congo's mpox outbreak response, in a message to Reuters, providing no details on the number of doses or the supplier. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed the shipment would arrive soon.

The vaccines, manufactured by Bavarian Nordic and donated by the European Union, should help address the significant inequity that has left African countries without access to the shots used in the 2022 global mpox outbreak. The U.S. and Europe had tens of thousands of doses available.

Thabani Maphosa from Gavi, a global vaccine alliance, stated that around 200,000 doses would arrive in the first tranche. Congo aims to start vaccinations on Oct. 8, pending this week's deliveries. However, launching this crucial campaign across such a vast country will be challenging.

The required storage temperature of -90 degrees Celsius poses another difficulty, alongside community skepticism. Kacita explained that the vaccines wouldn't be immediately distributed but emphasized the importance of communicating with the public to gain acceptance.

Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's acting director of epidemic and pandemic prevention, highlighted the need for a robust communication strategy to ensure proper distribution of the vaccines, especially given rampant misinformation.

Initial vaccinations will focus on contacts of confirmed cases. Children are particularly vulnerable, yet the Bavarian Nordic vaccine isn't licensed for pediatric use. The WHO is currently discussing recommendation parameters.

Mpox, which can cause severe flu-like symptoms and fatality, has seen 19,710 suspected cases in Congo this year, with 5,041 confirmed and 655 deaths. It primarily spreads through close, including sexual, contact.

A doctor involved in Congo's response expressed concerns about vaccination campaigns in resource-limited, remote areas where many cases are suspected.

Van Kerkhove called for increased resources in both Congo and neighboring Burundi, which is facing a rise in cases of a new mpox strain.

(With inputs from agencies.)