First Batch of Mpox Vaccines Arrives in Congo Amid Rising Cases

The first batch of 100,000 doses of the mpox vaccine arrived in Congo, donated by the European Union. This comes three weeks after the WHO declared mpox outbreaks in 12 African countries a global emergency. UNICEF will manage the vaccination campaign, focusing on the most affected provinces.

The first batch of mpox vaccines arrived in Congo's capital on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against the disease. The delivery of 100,000 doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine, manufactured by the Danish company Bavarian Nordic, is a donation from the European Union through HERA, its health emergencies agency.

A further 100,000 doses are expected on Saturday, as confirmed by Congolese authorities. UNICEF will spearhead the vaccination efforts in the hardest-hit provinces, although a clear timeline for the campaign's initiation remains pending, according to Congo's Health Minister Roger Kamba.

Since the start of 2024, Congo has reported over 4,900 confirmed mpox cases and 629 associated deaths, with children under 15 being the most affected age group. The Africa CDC is working on a unified response plan for the outbreak, which will be presented to African heads of state in September.

(With inputs from agencies.)