In a significant move to curb the spread of mpox, Congolese health officials initiated their first vaccination campaign on Saturday. The launch marks a pivotal step in controlling an outbreak that has extended from its epicenter in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to other African nations this year.
The campaign commenced with a ceremonial event at a hospital in the eastern city of Goma. Health workers, standing on the frontline of the outbreak, were the first to receive the vaccine doses, symbolizing hope for communities grappling with the virus.
Despite the monumental start, the Health Ministry cautioned that the campaign’s reach would be limited due to scarce resources. Currently, 265,000 vaccine doses are available, with additional supplies expected to arrive in the coming months.
The rollout addresses a critical disparity that left African countries without access to the vaccines utilized during the 2022 global mpox outbreak, where they were readily available in Europe and the United States.
“The rollout of the vaccine marks an important step in limiting the spread of the virus and ensuring the safety of families and communities,” stated Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa.
Mpox, known for spreading through close contact, typically causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions on the body. While usually mild, it can be fatal in rare instances. The WHO declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern in August after identifying a new variant.
Since the start of 2024, Congo has reported over 30,000 suspected and confirmed cases along with 990 deaths, accounting for 90 percent of the cases reported in Africa this year, according to the WHO.
The initiation of the vaccination campaign brings a renewed sense of urgency and optimism. As the mpox outbreak continues to challenge public health systems, Congo’s efforts exemplify a commitment to safeguarding communities and highlights the importance of equitable vaccine distribution worldwide.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
