- DRC announces receipt of the first shipment of 99,100 doses of JYNNEOS mpox vaccine.
- Africa CDC reports that another 100,900 mpox vaccine doses will arrive in DRC this Saturday.
- The country says the vaccination will prioritise health workers and vulnerable groups at higher risk of contracting mpox.
For millions of people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the arrival of 99,100 doses of mpox vaccines presents hope and a lifeline as the disease threatens to damage the country’s socio-economic fabric. On Thursday, authorities in DRC announced the receipt of the first shipment of the JYNNEOS mpox vaccine.
This vital supply, facilitated by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and UNICEF, marks the beginning of a nationwide vaccination campaign aimed at curbing the rapidly escalating mpox epidemic.
The first batch of vaccines was officially received by DRC’s Minister of Health, Samuel Roger Kamba, alongside high-ranking officials from Africa CDC and UNICEF.
Since the start of 2024, the DRC has reported over 4,901 confirmed cases of mpox, with over 629 related deaths, which is the highest mortality rate reported in Africa from the disease so far. The arrival of these vaccines offers hope to a country battling the swift spread of the disease and underscores the necessity of international collaboration in addressing public health crises.
A coordinated global response to the mpox outbreak
DRC’s consignment of vaccines comes after Africa CDC declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) on 13 August 2024. This declaration prompted appeals to the international community for vaccine support across African nations. In response, the European Union’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), Africa CDC, and vaccine manufacturer Bavarian Nordic partnered to expedite vaccine distribution to the continent, with mpox-stricken DRC as a priority.
“We are pleased to receive the first shipment of close to 100,000 doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine in the DRC, with an additional 100,900 doses arriving this Saturday,” said Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC.
“These vaccines are vital in safeguarding our health workers and vulnerable populations, and in curbing the spread of mpox. This milestone reflects the strong partnership between Africa CDC, HERA, and Bavarian Nordic. We are fully committed to leaving no one behind in our mission to protect our people and control this outbreak.”
Mpox vaccines: Protecting the most vulnerable
Health workers and vulnerable groups such as children and key populations at higher risk of contracting mpox will be at the forefront of the vaccination campaign, DRC authorities explained. Speaking at the event, Samuel Roger Kamba, DRC’s Minister of Health, reiterated the importance of ensuring these vaccines reach those who need them most.
“Receiving these vaccines is an essential step in our fight against mpox. Our commitment is to safeguard our population’s health, particularly our children, who are the most vulnerable. We will continue working closely with our partners to control the spread of this disease and ensure a healthy future for all Congolese,” Kamba said.
DRC Ministry of Health, with support from UNICEF, will spearhead efforts to assess the needs of children and adolescents to determine if vaccination coverage should be extended to younger populations.
The JYNNEOS vaccine, which has proven highly effective in preventing mpox transmission and severe complications, is expected to turn the tide in reducing the disease’s spread.
Read also: Why Mpox is now a global health emergency
Building on team Europe’s global response
HERA’s role in facilitating the delivery of these vaccines has been instrumental. Laurent Muschel, Head of HERA at the European Commission, expressed confidence that the collaboration would help mitigate the outbreak.
“We are delighted that we were able to respond to the Public Health Emergency of International Concern in record time, ensuring that vaccines are arriving in the DRC as of today. The delivery of vaccines is the first step of Team Europe’s global response to handle the crisis. We will continue to work hand in hand with our partners to ensure that vulnerable populations are protected throughout the continent,” said Muschel.
As part of the global effort, UNICEF will play a crucial role in distributing the vaccines across the DRC. Grant Leaity, UNICEF’s Representative in the DRC, highlighted the importance of swift and equitable distribution: “The shipment of these vaccines is an important health milestone as they will help protect communities, particularly health workers and those at risk.
“UNICEF is committed to supporting the Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene, and Prevention in the distribution of these vaccines to ensure they reach the most vulnerable people.”
A new chapter in the fight against Mpox outbreak
Mpox is a preventable disease, and the introduction of the JYNNEOS vaccine to the DRC marks a new chapter in the fight against the epidemic. As more doses arrive in the coming days, with a total of 200,000 doses expected by the end of the week, the vaccination campaign offers a beacon of hope for millions of Congolese people.
With health workers, children, and vulnerable populations first in line for vaccination, the campaign represents a vital step toward safeguarding public health and curbing the mpox outbreak. The collaboration between Africa CDC, UNICEF, and international partners highlights the power of collective action in tackling pressing health crises across Africa.
