A concerning rise of mpox, previously known as monkeypox, has prompted health authorities across Africa to ramp up vaccination efforts as outbreaks continue to affect communities. With the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) witnessing one of the most severe waves, the situation has drawn international attention and assistance.
The DRC has initiated its first vaccination campaign against mpox, particularly targeting the eastern region, where the outbreak has been most pronounced. Goma, one of the cities hardest hit, has seen hundreds of lives claimed by the virus, prompting health authorities to act decisively. The vaccination effort commenced on October 6, 2024, focusing first on hospital staff who are at higher risk of exposure.
Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba confirmed the campaign's launch but also highlighted the challenge posed by limited resources. "We're not going to solve the problem with 265,000 doses" available for the country’s population of approximately 100 million, he stated, emphasizing the urgent need for additional vaccines.
Despite the constraints, priority for vaccination is being granted to high-risk groups, including healthcare workers and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. The country's health authorities are hoping to curtail the infection rate through these preventative measures. This vaccination drive is reinforced by the U.S. commitment to donate one million doses of the mpox vaccine to African nations.
On the broader continent, Ghana's health authorities are also taking the threat seriously. The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has urged the government to stockpile mpox vaccines following the detection of the first case this season. Their statement called for immediate action, prioritizing frontline health workers and vulnerable populations for early vaccination.
Since the global outbreak began, more than 120 countries report over 100,000 mpox cases, with the disease increasingly associated with severe health outcomes. The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledged the rise and approved the MVA-BN vaccine—a breakthrough, as it's the first pre-qualified vaccine for mpox aimed at controlling this viral disease.
Reports indicate over 25,000 cases of mpox have already been confirmed across 14 African nations since January 2024, with approximately 720 deaths. The rise of the new variant, known as clade Ib, has been alarming, as it has contributed to outbreaks across more than 16 African countries this year, intensifying fears of widespread transmission.
To help address the growing problem, improvements to diagnostics have also been made. The WHO recently authorized the Alinity m MPXV assay for mpox detection, enhancing testing capabilities and allowing for quicker identification of active cases through lesion samples—a necessity as surveillance efforts ramp up.
The PSGH not only emphasizes vaccination but has called for greater public health surveillance and more resources directed to healthcare facilities to deal with potential outbreaks. They stress the importance of educating communities about personal hygiene and the risks associated with mpox to mitigate transmission risks.
Given the interconnectedness of global health, the PSGH has joined voices with the Africa CDC, urging the international community to provide substantial support. This plea echoes the earlier responses elicited during the COVID-19 pandemic, where timely interventions were instrumental.
With vaccination efforts underway and international collaboration evident, the focus remains on controlling mpox outbreaks effectively and preventing significant health ramifications for the populations involved. The road ahead will involve overcoming resource limitations and ensuring equitable distribution of vaccines as campaigns expand across affected regions.
The hopeful outlook hinges on collective efforts and strategic planning to tackle this urgent health threat, as nations mobilize to protect their most vulnerable members from this surging viral infection.
