- Congo receives first 100,000 doses of mpox vaccine from the European Union.
- Vaccine supply is far below the 3 million doses needed to control the outbreak.
- UNICEF to lead vaccination campaign in most affected provinces, with Africa CDC working on a unified response plan.
Congo has received the first 100,000 doses of the mpox vaccine as part of an effort to combat the severe outbreak sweeping the country.
This initial batch, donated by the European Union and manufactured by Bavarian Nordic, is just a fraction of the 3 million doses needed to curb the epidemic.
Africa’s Struggle for Mpox Vaccine Equity Amid Congo’s Severe Outbreak
Despite these vaccine donations, Africa continues to face significant inequity in vaccine distribution compared to wealthier nations. The global mpox outbreak of 2022 prompted swift action in countries like the U.S. and Europe, but Africa, the epicenter of the crisis, has been left largely underserved. The Africa CDC is coordinating efforts to develop a continent-wide response plan, which will be presented to African leaders later this month.
Western countries responded quickly to the 2022 global mpox outbreak with vaccines and treatments, but Africa has largely been left behind. Despite repeated requests from African governments, only a fraction of the necessary doses have reached the continent. UNICEF will be leading vaccination campaigns in Congo’s hardest-hit provinces, but with supply constraints and logistical challenges, the timeline for these efforts remains uncertain.
The mpox outbreak in Africa differs significantly from the global outbreak in 2022. While the previous outbreak primarily affected gay and bisexual men, Congo’s current outbreak is spreading through sexual transmission and close contact among vulnerable groups, including children and pregnant women. This evolving situation has made it more challenging for health officials to contain the virus, especially in a country with limited healthcare resources.
In addition to vaccine shortages, Congo faces the challenge of a largely unvaccinated young population. Smallpox vaccination programs ended decades ago, and while older generations may have some immunity to mpox, younger people are at heightened risk. The Africa CDC is actively working on a unified response plan to address these challenges, with the hope of securing more vaccine donations and support from international partners.
The arrival of mpox vaccines in Congo is a crucial first step, but the journey to containing the outbreak is far from over. A comprehensive, unified response is needed to prevent further loss of life and ensure equitable access to vaccines across Africa.
“What we are witnessing in Africa now is different from the global outbreak in 2022.”
