Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have started vaccinating against mpox, following a global emergency declaration by the World Health Organization two months after the disease outbreak spread to multiple countries. The DRC received 265,000 doses from the EU and US, with some already administered in Goma, North Kivu province. This area has been overwhelmed by hospitals and health workers struggling to contain the potentially more infectious strain of mpox.
The DRC has reported over 30,000 suspected cases of mpox and 859 deaths this year, accounting for more than 80% of all cases and 99% of all deaths in Africa. All 26 provinces in the country have recorded mpox cases.
Although most infections and deaths occur among children under 15 years old, only adults at risk and frontline workers will receive these initial doses. Health Minister Roger Kamba stated that strategies are being implemented to ensure vaccination for all targeted personnel. Muboyayi Chikayal, chief of staff to the minister, launched the vaccination campaign.
In addition to these doses, Japan is expected to provide at least 3 million approved vaccine doses for children in the coming days according to Kamba’s announcement.