Mpox vaccines arrive in Congo 

Congo, Sept 5: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), currently the epicenter of a significant mpox outbreak, is set to receive its first vaccine doses this week. The arrival of the vaccines comes as the country faces mounting challenges in controlling the spread of the disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global public health emergency last month due to the outbreak.

Cris Kacita, the head of the Congo’s mpox outbreak response, announced that the first batch of vaccines will arrive on Thursday, followed by a second shipment on Saturday. However, no specific details were provided regarding the number of doses or the supplier. These vaccines, manufactured by Bavarian Nordic and donated by the European Union, are expected to be a critical tool in the country’s fight against the virus. The doses are a welcome resource for African nations, where access to vaccines has been limited, despite their availability in Europe and the United States during the global mpox outbreak in 2022.

The distribution of around 200,000 vaccine doses will commence in phases, starting with contacts of confirmed cases. However, the vaccination campaign is expected to face significant logistical challenges. The vaccine requires storage at ultra-low temperatures of -90 degrees Celsius (-130°F), which poses difficulties for Congo’s vast and remote regions. Kacita emphasized that the vaccines will not be immediately available upon arrival, as efforts to educate the population about the vaccination will be necessary to ensure participation.

Launching the vaccination campaign is scheduled for October 8, but this depends on the successful delivery of vaccines and adequate storage facilities in the targeted provinces. The WHO’s epidemic and pandemic prevention director, Maria Van Kerkhove, stressed the importance of clear communication to combat misinformation about the vaccine. She added that while the initial dose numbers are limited, the focus would be on vaccinating the highest-risk individuals, including close contacts of confirmed mpox cases.

Mpox, which spreads through close contact, including sexual contact, has infected 19,710 people in Congo this year, resulting in 655 deaths. Children, who are particularly vulnerable, may also be considered for vaccination, although the Bavarian Nordic vaccine is not currently licensed for pediatric use. Discussions are underway about whether the vaccine’s benefits outweigh the risks in children.

Congo’s health authorities face additional hurdles as many regions lack basic infrastructure, such as clean water and electricity, which complicates efforts to launch a successful vaccination campaign. Some areas have also run out of testing supplies, prompting calls for more resources to be allocated for response efforts. Neighboring countries, including Burundi, are also experiencing a rise in mpox cases, further stretching resources.

As Congo prepares to roll out its vaccination program, international support remains critical to overcoming the logistical and operational chall

enges the country faces in containing the outbreak.

*Reporting by Sonia Rolley and Jennifer Rigby. Editing by Alessandra Prentice, Alexander Winning, and Timothy Heritage.