Congo Starts Vaccination Campaign Against Mpox
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has initiated a vaccination campaign against mpox, a virus causing painful rashes and flu-like symptoms, which can be fatal in some cases. The outbreak has spread to 16 neighboring countries, with Africa recording 988 deaths and over 34,000 cases since the beginning of the year, as reported by the World Health Organization.
EU Sends First Load of Mpox Vaccines to Congo
The European Union has sent the first shipment of mpox vaccines to Congo, marking a significant step in combating the outbreak.
What Do We Know About the Vaccination Drive?
- The vaccination drive began with a ceremony at a hospital in Goma, where medical staff, including Dr. Jeannine Muhavi, received the first doses.
- Due to challenges in vaccine delivery caused by poor infrastructure, the campaign was delayed by three days.
- The general population in the east of the country, where the outbreak originated, will be encouraged to get vaccinated starting from Monday.
- The Health Ministry anticipates a limited scope for the campaign due to resource constraints, focusing on vaccinating individuals most at risk.
- Currently, Congo has 265,000 vaccine doses donated by the United States and the European Union, with millions more promised by France, Japan, and the United States.
- Large tents have been set up to administer vaccines to adults with pre-existing health conditions, as the current doses are not intended for children.
- Congo accounts for over 80% of all mpox cases and 99% of mpox deaths reported in Africa this year.
What is Mpox?
- Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, was first identified in 1958 among monkeys in Denmark before appearing in humans in 1970 in Congo.
- Symptoms include fever, aches, lethargy, and pus-filled lesions, with potential fatal outcomes.
- The virus gained global attention in 2022 when a strain called clade 2b spread worldwide, predominantly affecting gay and bisexual men.
- While the vaccine became widely accessible in Europe and the US, African countries faced challenges in obtaining doses.
- Africa is set to receive 5.9 million mpox vaccine doses by December to combat the outbreak.
- In August, the WHO declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern due to the identification of a new variant.
- A diagnostic test for mpox, using swabs from human lesions, has been approved by the WHO.
In conclusion, the vaccination campaign in Congo against mpox is a crucial step in controlling the outbreak and protecting vulnerable populations. With limited resources and challenges in vaccine delivery, international support and cooperation are essential in combating the spread of the virus and preventing further casualties. Stay informed, stay safe.