Congo to get Japan's mpox vaccine for children from next week, Africa CDC says
December 12, 2024
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is poised to receive three million doses of Japan’s LC16m8 mpox vaccine, offering renewed hope in combatting the epidemic, particularly among children under five, who comprise nearly half of confirmed cases. This long-awaited delivery addresses a critical vaccination gap, with health workers set to undergo specialized training in the bifurcated needle technique. While this development marks significant progress, Africa CDC’s call for expanded vaccine donations highlights the broader need for sustained international collaboration to curb the outbreak across the continent and protect vulnerable populations from this potentially fatal disease.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is on the brink of a pivotal moment in its battle against mpox, with three million doses of Japan’s LC16m8 vaccine set to arrive next week. This development comes after months of delays caused by legal hurdles and promises renewed hope for protecting the country’s most vulnerable population—children under five—who make up 44% of confirmed cases.
The LC16m8 vaccine, originally developed by KM Biologics for smallpox, has shown effectiveness against mpox and will be administered using a specialized bifurcated needle technique. To ensure a smooth rollout, Japanese health experts will train Congolese healthcare workers this weekend, underscoring the importance of international collaboration in addressing global health emergencies.
This long-awaited delivery follows mounting pressure on global health stakeholders to close critical vaccination gaps in Africa, where the DRC has remained the epicenter of the mpox outbreak. Despite existing vaccination campaigns targeting adults, the lack of doses for children has left a dangerous void in public health efforts.
Africa CDC’s ongoing negotiations with Japan for additional vaccine shipments to other affected African nations highlight the broader need for sustained international support. The mpox crisis has demonstrated the devastating consequences of delayed vaccine distribution and bureaucratic obstacles, particularly in under-resourced settings.
As the DRC prepares to launch this expanded vaccination campaign, success hinges on swift vaccine deployment, community education, and effective healthcare training. The LC16m8 shipment represents a crucial step toward controlling the outbreak, but it must be part of a larger, coordinated effort to ensure that no vulnerable population is left behind. Only through global solidarity, timely vaccine access, and strong local healthcare systems can Africa hope to curb this ongoing public health crisis.