Congo Launches Mpox Vaccination Campaign Amid Ongoing Health Emergency

Congolese authorities have initiated a vaccination campaign against mpox, following the World Health Organization's declaration of a global emergency. The outbreak, originating in Congo, has spread to various African nations and beyond. The European Union and the US donated 265,000 doses, which are being administered in Goma, North Kivu province. Hospitals there have been overwhelmed by the new strain of mpox.

Dr. Jean Bruno Ngenze from WHO highlighted the risk of a significant outbreak in North Kivu due to crowded conditions in camps for displaced people. This region is experiencing one of the world's largest humanitarian crises due to ongoing armed violence. The vaccination programme has provided much-needed relief to hospitals struggling with the outbreak.

Vaccination Efforts and Challenges

Congo has reported around 30,000 suspected mpox cases and 859 deaths this year, accounting for over 80% of Africa's cases and nearly all deaths. All 26 provinces in Central Africa have recorded cases. Although most infections and deaths occur in children under 15, current vaccines are only for adults, targeting at-risk groups and frontline workers, according to Health Minister Roger Kamba.

The continent faces vaccine shortages despite having a population of 1.4 billion people. Only 5.9 million doses have been secured for Africa, expected between October and December. Dr. Jean Kaseya from Africa CDC emphasized Congo's priority status in receiving these vaccines.

Impact on Vulnerable Populations

Mpox has been spreading undetected in Africa for years before prompting a global outbreak in 2022. Unlike last year's outbreak focused on gay and bisexual men, mpox now spreads through sexual transmission and close contact among children, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups, explained Dr. Dimie Ogoina of WHO's mpox emergency committee.

Dr. Musole Mulambamunva Robert from Kavumu Hospital expressed hope that widespread vaccination could halt the disease's spread. Eastern Congo has faced conflict for years, with over 100 armed groups competing for control near Rwanda's border.

Future Vaccine Supplies

Japan is expected to supply at least 3 million doses approved for children soon, according to Health Minister Kamba. This development is crucial as most cases involve children under 15. The global response to mpox has seen wealthy nations quickly deploying vaccines while Africa received limited doses despite urgent requests from its governments.

This year, more than 34,000 suspected cases and 866 deaths have been reported across 16 African countries—a 200% increase from last year, according to Africa CDC data. Access to vaccines remains a significant challenge for the continent.