DR Congo Receives First Batch of Mpox Vaccines

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has received its first shipment of 100,000 mpox vaccines from the European Union (EU), with a second delivery expected shortly, marking a critical milestone in combating the mpox outbreak that has severely affected the region. This vaccine delivery represents a significant step towards addressing the continent-wide shortage of vaccines, which has hampered efforts to contain the spread of the virus.

Why This Is Important for Africa

Congo, currently the epicentre of the mpox outbreak in Africa, has been grappling with a severe shortage of vaccines, making containment efforts challenging. The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak a global public health emergency, emphasising the need for swift action. This vaccine donation, manufactured by Bavarian Nordic and facilitated by the EU, highlights international solidarity in addressing this public health crisis and aims to curb the spread of the disease in Congo and beyond.

The Numbers Behind the Crisis

The EU has pledged to distribute 215,000 vaccine doses to affected African countries, with an additional 351,500 doses donated by at least eight EU member states, bringing the total to at least 566,500 doses. While this is a crucial step, Congo alone estimates it needs approximately 3 million doses to fully combat the outbreak. As of now, more than 19,710 suspected mpox cases have been reported in Congo this year, with over 5,000 confirmed cases and 655 deaths, according to the country’s health ministry.

Addressing Health Inequity

The arrival of these vaccines helps to address the stark health inequity faced by African nations. While wealthy countries in Europe and the United States quickly stockpiled vaccines during the 2022 mpox outbreak, Africa has struggled to secure the necessary doses. This disparity underscores the need for a more equitable global health response. UNICEF, which is overseeing the vaccination rollout in Congo, will focus on the most affected regions, including Equateur and South Kivu provinces.

Strengthening Africa’s Health Systems

In addition to vaccine donations, the EU is committed to supporting Africa’s health systems through various initiatives, including securing pharmaceutical supply chains and fostering local vaccine production. A 9.4-million-euro grant has been allocated to improve access to diagnostics and sequencing technologies, which will be critical in preventing future outbreaks.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite the vaccine arrival, there are significant challenges ahead. Congo has set October 8 as the start of its vaccination campaign, allowing time for community engagement efforts to combat vaccine hesitancy. Mpox, also known as monkeypox, primarily spreads through close contact, and this outbreak has seen a worrying rise in infections among children under 15.

Africa’s largely youthful population, many of whom were not vaccinated against smallpox, is particularly vulnerable. The Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is working to present a unified response plan to African leaders, emphasising the need for swift and equitable vaccine distribution across the continent.

Global Solidarity in the Fight Against Mpox

The global health community, led by organisations like WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has stressed the importance of a coordinated response to the mpox outbreak. Efforts are being made to ensure equitable vaccine distribution and to strengthen health systems across Africa, helping to prevent future outbreaks from escalating into global emergencies.

The arrival of these vaccines in Congo marks a critical moment, not just for the DRC, but for Africa’s broader fight against mpox. It signifies hope, solidarity, and a collective commitment to addressing health disparities and safeguarding the future of the continent.