The fight against Mpox, known for its alarming resurgence across Africa, is intensifying as countries scramble to roll out vaccination campaigns aimed at curbing the outbreaks. Spearheading this effort is the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), which is urging member states to embrace vaccination initiatives as the total number of cases continues to climb dramatically, with 2024 witnessing significant increases against the previous year.
On September 19, Rwanda made headlines by initiating its vaccination drive against Mpox. This marked Rwanda as the first country on the continent to commence such a campaign, utilizing 1,000 doses of the vaccine received from Nigeria. "We began vaccinations targeting seven districts with high-risk populations bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)," stated Dr. Nicaise Ndembi from Africa CDC.
The DRC has been particularly hard-hit, accounting for over 90% of the continent's cases. The Africa CDC reported alarming statistics, with around 29,152 cases and 738 deaths documented across Africa so far this year. Dr. Jean Kaseya, the director-general of the Africa CDC, emphasized the dire situation during his recent presentations, underscoring the urgent need for action.
Dr. Kaseya gave specific figures, pointing to 2,912 new cases just from last week, contributing to the overwhelming total of cases reported this year. "Mpox is not under control. We have seen 177% increase in cases and 38.5% rise in deaths since the same period last year," Dr. Kaseya declared during a briefing.
One of the challenges highlighted by Africa CDC is the estimated need for 10 million doses of the Mpox vaccine across the continent. Countries are now asking for more vaccine doses than originally anticipated due to the rising numbers. Rwanda alone requested additional doses following its initial order, and similar requests are being echoed throughout affected nations.
Japan has stepped up to aid Africa's vaccination efforts, pledging 3 million doses of the Mpox vaccine, allocated primarily to the DRC. This promise from Japan is aimed at bolstering the vaccination campaign slated to start on October 2, 2024. Dr. Kaseya hailed this contribution, stating, "This timely assistance will significantly bolster our efforts against the outbreak, not just in the DRC but across Africa."
Significantly, the African CDC is working on enhancing various logistics surrounding the distribution of Mpox vaccines, addressing issues such as testing capabilities and cross-border surveillance. Reports have indicated weak surveillance systems, especially at points of entry, which complicates the tracking of the disease's spread and outbreaks.
Given the geographic challenges, distribution of the vaccine entails maintaining very specific temperature controls, with doses needing to be stored at -20 degrees Celsius (-4 Fahrenheit). Training healthcare workers has been another focus to improve reporting accuracy and testing capabilities across affected areas.
The situation is precarious, with Mpox being exacerbated by socio-economic factors prevalent across many African nations. Challenges such as malnutrition, unsafe sexual practices, and increased mobility between borders heighten the overall risk of transmission. Of the individuals affected so far, around 41% are children under the age of 15, highlighting the urgent need for targeted intervention.
The DRC continues to grapple with the consequences of this outbreak, as it recorded over 24,000 cases since January. More concerning is the rise of the Clade 1b variant, which has prompted health authorities to develop focused strategies for more vulnerable populations. "The vaccination campaign will first target medical personnel, children, and other key groups," Dr. Lofungola, leading the DRC's Mpox response, mentioned during a press conference.
To support the fight against Mpox, the Africa CDC has also produced and distributed 28,000 test kits to high-risk regions, ensuring faster and more accurate diagnoses. Despite these efforts, Kaseya warned of the challenges faced, particularly low testing rates attributed to difficulties with sample collection and transportation.
Significantly, the WHO has recently prequalified the Bavarian Nordic vaccine, allowing for its purchase and distribution through agencies like UNICEF and Gavi. "We need this vaccine to be manufactured within Africa, ensuring self-sufficiency for future vaccination needs. We're collaborating closely with local manufacturers to establish this capability," Kaseya said.
The collaborative push to combat Mpox also sees significant backing from organizations like the Global Fund, which has promised nearly $10 million to support the DRC's response strategy amid rising infections. These funds are earmarked for immediate action across areas with the highest rates of transmission.
The emergence of Mpox as a public health threat has led to increased awareness globally, with international health officials calling for heightened vigilance and preparedness among nations. Conferences and webinars have taken place, facilitating discussions on strategies to bolster vaccination campaigns and facilitate resource allocation for affected countries.
The continued rise of Mpox cases across Africa raises questions about the effectiveness of current strategies and the need for global and regional coordination to address this pressing public health challenge. With significant populations at risk, including vulnerable groups and children, the onus is on health authorities to unify efforts, ensuring equitable access to vaccinations and timely interventions.
Next steps will require both immediate action and long-term strategies to curb Mpox, and the coming months will be pivotal for the rollout of the vaccination programs across afflicted regions, particularly as more vaccines become available and logistical issues are streamlined. The health of millions hangs delicately on the efficacy and reach of these vaccination campaigns.
There's no doubt; this outbreak has highlighted the necessity for strong healthcare frameworks across the continent. The future of public health interventions hinges on not just how quickly vaccines can be rolled out but also on creating sustainable health systems capable of withstanding such diseases and ensuring the protection of the most vulnerable populations.
