The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has taken a significant step in combating the mpox outbreak by receiving its first shipment of vaccines. On Thursday, September 5, 2024, a plane carrying 99,000 doses manufactured by Bavarian Nordic and donated by the European Union landed in Kinshasa, the capital city.
This development comes as a response to the ongoing mpox outbreak, which has prompted the United Nations to declare a global public health emergency. The DRC, being the epicenter of the outbreak, has faced challenges in containing the spread of the disease due to a lack of vaccines in Africa.
Laurent Muschel, head of the EU Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), stated that an additional delivery is expected on Saturday, September 7, 2024, bringing the total number of doses to 200,000. This initiative aims to address the vaccine shortage that has hindered efforts to control the disease's spread in the region.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has a long history in the DRC. The first human case was recorded in the country in 1970, and it remains endemic in parts of Central and West Africa. The disease, caused by the monkeypox virus, typically presents symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
The arrival of these vaccines is crucial for the DRC and neighboring countries affected by the outbreak. The smallpox vaccine, which is about 85% effective in preventing mpox, offers hope for controlling the spread of the disease. However, it's important to note that mpox can still be severe, with a fatality rate ranging from 1% to 10%.
The global mpox outbreak of 2022 highlighted the need for increased preparedness and response capabilities. The European Union's HERA, established in 2021, has played a vital role in strengthening Europe's ability to address health emergencies like this one.
As the largest francophone city in the world, Kinshasa serves as a critical hub for distributing these vaccines throughout the DRC, the second-largest country in Africa by area. The successful implementation of a vaccination program could significantly impact the control of the mpox outbreak in the region and beyond.
"The arrival of mpox vaccines in the Democratic Republic of Congo marks a crucial step in our global efforts to control this outbreak. We urge all countries to work together in ensuring equitable access to vaccines and treatments."
This development underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing global health challenges. As the vaccination efforts begin, health authorities hope that this will mark a turning point in the fight against mpox in the DRC and surrounding areas.