MPOX TRACKER

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has made a historic leap in the fight against mpox by becoming the first country to approve the use of the MVA-BN (Jynneos) vaccine for children, launching a two-week campaign in Pakadjuma, Kinshasa—the global epicenter of the outbreak. Backed by Africa CDC, WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi, the initiative targets children aged 1 to 17, who had previously been excluded from vaccination due to regulatory constraints. This shift is critical: children under 15 accounted for 43.5% of confirmed cases and 85% of mpox-related deaths in the country in 2024.

More than 525,000 people have now received at least one vaccine dose, including over 200,000 children. In Kinshasa alone, vaccination coverage reached 70% of the target population. This success stems from community mobilization, targeted vaccination in hotspot health zones, and proactive engagement to counter misinformation. Leading health officials, including Africa CDC’s Prof. Yap Boum and the DRC’s Dr. Dieudonné Mwamba, emphasized the importance of local ownership and international collaboration in ensuring access to life-saving interventions.

Yet challenges remain. Vaccine supplies are dwindling just as the campaign’s momentum grows. Additional doses are urgently needed, particularly as DRC expands vaccination efforts to South Kivu, a region facing both mpox and humanitarian crises. Uganda, now the second most affected country, recently received 100,000 doses, while Sierra Leone is being encouraged to follow suit.

The DRC’s leadership provides a compelling model for mpox-endemic countries. By vaccinating children—a group often left behind in outbreak responses—the country is not only reducing transmission but also setting a precedent for equitable public health action. Other affected nations are now urged to authorize MVA-BN for pediatric use and ensure vulnerable populations are protected. The fight against mpox demands swift, inclusive, and coordinated action.