Mpox Vaccination Campaign to Launch Soon as Cases Surge 100% in Africa
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/21st August 2024
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has announced that a vaccination campaign against mpox will commence within a few days, responding to a dramatic increase in cases across the continent. This decision follows the World Health Organization’s recent declaration of mpox as a global public health emergency for the second time in two years.
According to a Reuters report, Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya revealed that the vaccination drive will begin shortly. The initial rollout will start in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other affected African nations. Kaseya indicated that the vaccines are expected to arrive by the end of next week, pending the finalization of logistics and supply chain arrangements.
The Africa CDC has been actively coordinating with international partners, including the European Union, vaccine manufacturer Bavarian Nordic, the United States, and Japan, to ensure a smooth implementation of the vaccination drive. This preparation is crucial to address the spread of new mpox variants, which have been escalating rapidly in several African countries.
Kaseya emphasized the importance of establishing a reliable supply chain and effective logistical strategies to ensure the vaccines are stored and administered safely. While the vaccination effort is set to begin soon, ongoing studies will continue to assess the effectiveness of various vaccine options to determine the best fit for the context in Africa.
Recent data highlights a concerning surge in mpox cases on the continent. Last week alone, African countries reported over 1,400 new cases, bringing the total number of cases this year to approximately 19,000 across 12 countries. This represents a staggering 100% increase compared to the same period last year.
Mpox, a viral infection characterized by flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions, poses significant health risks. Although the flu symptoms are often mild, the disease can be severe and potentially fatal. Reports indicate that multiple strains of mpox are currently circulating in Africa, complicating the public health response.
The impending vaccination campaign aims to curb the spread of mpox and mitigate the impact of this escalating health crisis. As the vaccines are prepared for distribution, ongoing efforts will focus on ensuring that the logistics and supply chains are robust and capable of supporting the widespread administration of the vaccine.
This proactive approach by the Africa CDC reflects a concerted effort to tackle the mpox outbreak and protect public health amid a rapidly changing situation. The upcoming vaccination drive represents a critical step in controlling the spread of the disease and safeguarding communities across Africa.
