On August 14, 2024, the President of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the emergence of mpox, formerly monkeypox, a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Following his announcement, leader Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he working with partners to facilitate equitable access to vaccines.
The US government has donated the Jynneos (MVA) vaccine to Nigeria and it will be distributed in five states of the country where most mpox cases have been identified.
“We are delighted to receive this modest first donation of the mpox vaccine, which is safe and effective“, said Nigerian Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate. “We will continue to strengthen surveillance and remain vigilant to prevent and control mpox.”
Administration of vaccines
The MVA vaccine will be administered to 5,000 people at highest risk from the virus in a two-dose schedule. This includes “close contacts of mpox cases and frontline health workers, with provision for reactive vaccination in other states if the need arises,” the WHO regional office for Africa said.
Pending the administration of the vaccines, Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has approved the emergency use of the vaccine.
“The delivery of the MPOX vaccines to Nigeria is not only a crucial addition to the ongoing measures to stop the virus and protect health (but) it is also a clear demonstration of international solidarity in the face of global public health emergencies“, said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
Gaps in vaccine access
WHO’s Africa office says there are still “serious gaps in access to the mpox vaccine” in Africa.
The organization is working with countries and manufacturers to increase access to the necessary vaccines.
WHO also works with partners such as the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and others to “enable donations from countries with existing stockpiles.”
The partners are also developing a ‘donation program’ to ensure that the limited vaccines are used in areas where they are most needed.
The WHO Africa office is assisting the Nigerian government in improving “surveillance and contact tracing, laboratory capacity, risk communication and community engagement,” as the country recorded 786 suspected MPOX cases and 39 confirmed cases as of August 10, 2024.
Health officials are also working on early detection and diagnosis of cases and increasing cross-border surveillance, particularly at key entry points across the country.
