Congo finally begins mpox vaccinations in a drive to slow outbreaks
October 5, 2024
Congolese authorities have initiated mpox vaccinations in Goma, North Kivu province, using 265,000 doses donated by the EU and U.S. This comes two months after WHO declared a global emergency. Congo, with 30,000 suspected cases and 859 deaths, accounts for over 80% of African cases. Despite children being most affected, current vaccines target adults in high-risk groups and frontline workers. The outbreak in Africa now spreads through sexual transmission and close contact among vulnerable groups, contrasting with the 2022 global outbreak primarily affecting gay and bisexual men. This highlights the evolving nature of the disease and the need for equitable vaccine distribution.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has taken a significant step in combating the mpox outbreak by launching its vaccination program in Goma, North Kivu province. This initiative comes nearly two months after the World Health Organization declared the disease a global emergency, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
The vaccination campaign utilizes 265,000 doses donated by the European Union and the United States. This aid is crucial for Congo, which accounts for over 80% of African mpox cases and 99% of deaths, with approximately 30,000 suspected cases and 859 fatalities. The virus has spread to all 26 provinces, indicating the widespread nature of the outbreak.
A concerning aspect of this outbreak is its impact on children. While the majority of infections and deaths in Congo are among children under 15, the current vaccination effort is focused on adults, particularly those in high-risk populations and frontline workers. This highlights a critical gap in the response strategy that health authorities are working to address.
The nature of mpox transmission in Africa has evolved significantly. Unlike the 2022 global outbreak that primarily affected gay and bisexual men, the disease in Africa is now spreading through sexual transmission and close contact among children, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups. This shift, noted by Dr. Dimie Ogoina of WHO's mpox emergency committee, emphasizes the need for adaptive response strategies.
The launch of this vaccination campaign represents a pivotal moment in Congo's fight against mpox. However, it also underscores the challenges of responding to infectious disease outbreaks in resource-limited settings. The stark contrast between the quick response with vaccine stockpiles in wealthy countries during the 2022 outbreak and the limited doses received by African nations highlights the ongoing issue of global health inequity. This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of equitable distribution of medical resources in addressing global health emergencies.
The vaccination campaign utilizes 265,000 doses donated by the European Union and the United States. This aid is crucial for Congo, which accounts for over 80% of African mpox cases and 99% of deaths, with approximately 30,000 suspected cases and 859 fatalities. The virus has spread to all 26 provinces, indicating the widespread nature of the outbreak.
A concerning aspect of this outbreak is its impact on children. While the majority of infections and deaths in Congo are among children under 15, the current vaccination effort is focused on adults, particularly those in high-risk populations and frontline workers. This highlights a critical gap in the response strategy that health authorities are working to address.
The nature of mpox transmission in Africa has evolved significantly. Unlike the 2022 global outbreak that primarily affected gay and bisexual men, the disease in Africa is now spreading through sexual transmission and close contact among children, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups. This shift, noted by Dr. Dimie Ogoina of WHO's mpox emergency committee, emphasizes the need for adaptive response strategies.
The launch of this vaccination campaign represents a pivotal moment in Congo's fight against mpox. However, it also underscores the challenges of responding to infectious disease outbreaks in resource-limited settings. The stark contrast between the quick response with vaccine stockpiles in wealthy countries during the 2022 outbreak and the limited doses received by African nations highlights the ongoing issue of global health inequity. This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of equitable distribution of medical resources in addressing global health emergencies.