Seema Khaneja MD
Updated on: October 10, 2024 9:44 pm GMT
Health officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) announced on Thursday that they would begin administering mpox vaccinations on October 2, a significant increase in urgency as cases of the illness surge across the nation. The decision comes after the World Health Organization (WHO) granted pre-authorization for the mpox vaccine, facilitating its acquisition for African countries, provided that sufficient funding is secured from wealthier nations.
Accelerated Vaccination Efforts in Congo
The DRC has been grappling with a growing outbreak of mpox, a disease that is similar to smallpox. As of this year, officials have confirmed over 22,000 mpox cases and more than 716 deaths attributed to the illness. With the virus spreading to 22 of Congo’s 26 provinces and impacting 13 neighboring countries, health authorities are racing against time to contain the outbreak.
The planned vaccination drive will initially focus on adults in high-risk professions such as healthcare and sex work. This targeted approach aims to protect those who are more likely to come into contact with the virus. Cris Kacita Osako, coordinator of the country’s Monkeypox Response Committee, indicated that the initial campaign would last for ten days across several regions most affected by the outbreak.
U.S. Ambassador Lucy Tamlyn confirmed the recent arrival of 50,000 doses of the mpox vaccine donated by the United States, which adds to the 200,000 doses already received from the European Union. In her announcement, she emphasized the crucial role of these vaccines in curbing the spread of mpox.
WHO’s Pre-Authorization and Global Response
The WHO’s pre-authorization of the mpox vaccine, which is manufactured by Bavarian Nordic, marks a significant milestone in the global response to the outbreak. This step allows Gavi, the global vaccine alliance, to purchase vaccines directly from pharmaceutical companies, rather than relying solely on donations from other nations. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, referred to the prequalification as a critical advancement in combating mpox, both in the current African outbreaks and for future preparedness.
Currently, the vaccine has been approved for adults, and Bavarian Nordic is seeking to extend its approval for use in children aged 12 and older. Regulatory reviews in Europe could lead to authorization for this age group by the end of the month.
Calls for Continued Support
In light of the escalating outbreak, Dr. Jean Kaseya, director general of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), emphasized the need for ongoing assistance from the United States. He called for an additional $599 million to support the vaccination of up to 10 million people in Africa over the next six months. Such funding would be instrumental in bolstering the broader continental initiative against the disease, especially in regions like Congo that face significant health challenges.
Nature of the Outbreak and Public Health Emergency
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has demonstrated an alarming capacity for mutation, with new strains emerging in the DRC. These variants have led to distinct outbreaks in various regions, resulting in diverse groups facing heightened risk. While the vaccines arriving in Congo are effective against the older clade 2 variant, experts are still gathering data to determine their efficacy against the more lethal clade 1 strain.
Despite confirmed statistics indicating more than 22,000 mpox cases, health specialists express concerns about under-reporting and low testing rates, suggesting that the actual number of cases could be significantly higher. The situation has escalated to the point where both the WHO and the Africa CDC classify mpox as a public health emergency, leading to the launch of a comprehensive six-month response plan with a financial goal of $600 million.
The mpox virus has also reached international boundaries, with cases reported in Europe and Asia, primarily linked to recent travel from affected areas. Morocco, for example, confirmed its first case this week—a 32-year-old man from Marrakech who is currently receiving treatment and remains in stable condition.
Global and Local Coordination Efforts
To effectively manage the mpox outbreak, local and global health organizations are working in tandem. The WHO’s approval of the vaccine allows for better coordination among nations to distribute essential medical supplies and improve healthcare infrastructure in affected regions. The situation highlights the critical need for swift action and international collaboration in responding to emerging health threats.
Health officials in the DRC are getting ready to start a vaccination campaign. They are also keeping a close eye on the public health crisis that is still happening. Millions of people are at risk because the virus spreads quickly, so it’s very important to get vaccines and financial help from other countries. Protecting the health and safety of those who are most vulnerable is a top priority as the country tries to deal with this outbreak.
