Africa’s Response to Mpox: WHO and Africa CDC Collaborate on Vaccine Strategy and Preparedness
In a crucial meeting held from November 5-7, 2024, experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) gathered in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, to discuss the development of targeted vaccination strategies for Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in Africa.
The goal is to ensure the efficient use of the limited vaccine doses available and to provide guidance on preparedness and deployment plans across the continent.
This collaboration comes at a time when Mpox cases have been steadily rising in Africa, and the global community is increasingly focused on combating the virus. With anticipation building for further vaccine deliveries in the coming months, African countries are seeking support to map out hot spots, identify high-risk populations, and plan vaccination campaigns based on the local epidemiological landscape.
More than 120 participants from 17 African countries, alongside global health partners such as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and Canadian health authorities, joined the Brazzaville meeting.
The experts discussed the importance of effective vaccine distribution in a region where access to medical resources can be limited, and demand for vaccines exceeds supply.
One of the key challenges highlighted during the meeting is the delayed deployment of Mpox vaccines to African nations.
The WHO and Africa CDC have warned that the supply of vaccines is expected to remain limited in the near to medium-term, making it critical to prioritize high-risk areas and at-risk populations for vaccination. Despite these challenges, three countries in Africa – Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Nigeria – have already received a total of 280,000 doses.
READ ALSO: Nigeria’s External Debt Reaches $42.9 Billion, with States Contributing 11%
Vaccination efforts have begun in the DRC and Rwanda, with more than 50,000 doses administered so far. These early vaccination campaigns are a testament to the region’s commitment to containing the spread of the virus, and they have provided valuable lessons for scaling up efforts across other African countries in the coming months.
Dr. Jean Kaseya, the Director General of the Africa CDC, expressed his appreciation for the swift action taken by African countries in rolling out targeted vaccination strategies.
“The swift actions of countries across Africa to roll out targeted Mpox vaccination strategies reflect an extraordinary commitment to protecting those most vulnerable,” Dr. Kaseya said. “Achieving this progress within a short window of time underscores the ambition and resilience of our member states to halt transmission and safeguard at-risk populations.”
The efforts to control Mpox in Africa are not just about vaccination. The Africa CDC, together with the WHO and other partners, is providing countries with the necessary resources, tools, and guidance to address all aspects of Mpox response.
This includes improving diagnostics, case management, risk communication, and community engagement, all of which are critical in preventing further outbreaks and educating populations about the virus.
Dr. Kaseya emphasized the power of collaboration, noting that the collective efforts of African governments and international partners are instrumental in driving progress.
“This momentum speaks to the power of collaboration across the continent and with our global partners. Africa CDC remains unwavering in its support, equipping countries with essential tools, guidance, and resources to drive impactful progress in controlling Mpox,” he said.
As of November 6, 2024, more than 11,000 laboratory-confirmed cases of Mpox have been reported worldwide since the beginning of the year. While cases have been largely concentrated in Africa, new cases are also emerging outside the continent, which further underscores the importance of a global response to this virus.
READ ALSO: Petrol Landing Cost Falls to N971 per Litre: What It Means for Nigeria’s Fuel Market
In Africa, there have been encouraging developments. In October 2024, four countries—South Africa, Guinea, Cameroon, and Gabon—entered the ‘controlled phase’ of Mpox response after reporting no new cases for six consecutive weeks.
This is a significant achievement in the fight against the virus, demonstrating that effective control measures can successfully curb transmission.
However, despite these successes, there are still 14 countries in Africa that are experiencing active outbreaks of Mpox. The situation is fluid, and ongoing surveillance, vaccination efforts, and public health interventions are needed to prevent the virus from spreading further.
The efforts of the WHO, Africa CDC, and other global health partners to support Mpox preparedness in Africa are part of a broader commitment to improving public health infrastructure and response capabilities across the continent.
As new vaccine deliveries are expected in the coming months, the focus will be on reaching the most vulnerable populations and mitigating the spread of Mpox in areas where transmission is still active.
In addition to vaccination, the collaboration among health agencies is addressing other critical aspects of Mpox response. This includes improving access to diagnostic tests, ensuring that healthcare systems are equipped to handle cases of Mpox, and enhancing community engagement to prevent misinformation and encourage protective behaviors.
The next few months will be crucial for Africa’s efforts to control the spread of Mpox. While the delayed vaccine deployments and limited supply present challenges, the swift actions already taken by countries like the DRC, Rwanda, and Nigeria demonstrate that targeted vaccination campaigns can be effective in curbing the virus.
READ ALSO: Asian Markets Slide as China’s Stimulus Package Falls Short of Expectations
The collaboration between African governments, the Africa CDC, the WHO, and international partners is key to scaling up these efforts and ensuring that vaccines are distributed efficiently and equitably.
As the world continues to face challenges from emerging infectious diseases, the response to Mpox in Africa serves as an important reminder of the power of global cooperation, effective planning, and a shared commitment to protecting vulnerable populations. By working together, Africa and its global partners are making significant strides in controlling Mpox and safeguarding the health and well-being of millions.