In a significant move to control the mpox outbreak, Congolese health officials launched their first vaccination campaign on Saturday. The initiative, held at a hospital in Goma, marks a pivotal step in curbing the virus's spread, which has extended from its epicenter in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to other African nations this year.
Health workers were prioritized to receive vaccine doses during a ceremonial event, signaling the government's commitment despite limited resources. The Health Ministry has announced that 265,000 vaccine doses are currently available, with additional supplies expected to follow.
This vaccination drive aims to address the stark inequity witnessed during the 2022 global mpox outbreak, where African countries struggled to access the two critical shots while they remained widely available in Europe and the United States.
"The rollout of the vaccine marks an important step in limiting the spread of the virus and ensuring the safety of families and communities," stated Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa.
Mpox is known to spread through close contact and, while typically mild, can lead to fatal outcomes in rare cases. The disease presents flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions on the body.
In August, the WHO declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern following the identification of a new variant. Since the beginning of 2024, Congo has reported over 30,000 suspected and confirmed mpox cases, resulting in 990 deaths. These figures account for approximately 90 percent of Africa's reported cases this year.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
