In response to the ongoing mpox outbreak, Congo is set to launch a vaccination campaign on October 2, 2024. The initiative will initially focus on three provinces most affected by the virus: Equateur, South Kivu, and Sankuru. Cris Kacita Osako, coordinator of Congo's Monkeypox Response Committee, confirmed that adults in these regions will be prioritized for vaccination.
The European Union has donated 200,000 doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine, manufactured by Bavarian Nordic, to support Congo's efforts. However, this falls short of the estimated 3 million doses required to effectively combat the outbreak. The EU has pledged an additional 500,000 doses, though the delivery timeline remains uncertain.
Since the beginning of 2024, Africa has reported 5,549 confirmed mpox cases and 643 associated deaths, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. Congo accounts for 91% of these cases, with Burundi being the second most affected country. Notably, the majority of infections in both nations are among children under 15 years old.
"For the moment, the rollout will be reserved for adults, with priority targeted groups being those who have been in close contact with infected people and sex workers."
The vaccination strategy aligns with the continent-wide response plan launched by the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. This plan was initiated three weeks after the WHO declared mpox outbreaks in 12 African countries a global emergency.
It's worth noting that mpox, first discovered in 1958 in research monkeys, has been endemic in parts of Central and West Africa for decades. The virus belongs to the same family as smallpox and can spread through close contact with infected individuals, animals, or contaminated materials. Symptoms typically include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, with an incubation period of 7-14 days.
While the current vaccination campaign targets adults, Laurent Muschel, HERA Director-General, mentioned that the European Medicines Agency is reviewing data to potentially extend vaccine administration to children aged 12-17 by the end of the month.
As efforts to contain the outbreak continue, it's crucial to remember that treatment for mpox remains primarily supportive, with no specific approved treatments available. The JYNNEOS vaccine, approved by the FDA in 2019, represents a significant tool in preventing the spread of this viral infection.