The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) had hoped to receive its first delivery of mpox vaccines this week, however, delays in the process mean that the vaccines will not be arriving as expected. Cris Kacita, head of the country’s response team, explained that there are still several processes that need to be followed before the vaccines can be received. The Congolese pharmaceutical regulatory agency will need to communicate with Danish drugmaker Bavarian Nordic for guidance on the vaccines before they can be sent. This delay comes as global health authorities declare that the spread of the disease can still be contained with a coordinated response.
Despite the delays in vaccine delivery, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that the mpox outbreaks in the DRC and neighboring countries can still be controlled and stopped with the right measures in place. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of a coordinated response to prevent further spread of the virus. The WHO has launched a Global Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan to address the situation, requiring $135 million for six months of comprehensive, coordinated action by all partners and affected Member States. The agency is significantly increasing its staffing in impacted countries as part of the plan to ensure greater access to vaccines and improve prevention and response efforts.
The delay in vaccine delivery comes as the DRC reported over 1,000 new mpox cases in a week, prompting assistance from other countries. Germany announced that it would donate 100,000 vaccine doses to the DRC to help combat the virus. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported that as of Thursday, there have been over 21,300 suspected or confirmed cases and 590 deaths reported this year across 12 African nations. With cases continuing to rise, there is a pressing need for vaccines and resources to control the spread of the disease.
The WHO’s plan for strategic vaccination efforts will focus on individuals at the highest risk, including close contacts of recent cases and healthcare workers, to interrupt transmission chains. The agency emphasized the importance of a coordinated approach to ensure that the spread of the virus is contained and stopped. The funding appeal for the plan, requiring $135 million, will be launched shortly to mobilize resources for the response efforts. With cases of mpox reported in multiple countries across Africa and beyond, it is crucial to act quickly and decisively to prevent further spread of the disease.
As health authorities continue to struggle to roll back the virus, the WHO has declared a global public health emergency for the second time in as many years. While the majority of cases are concentrated in the DRC, other nations in Asia and Europe have also reported cases. The current situation underscores the importance of a coordinated global response to address the mpox outbreaks and prevent further spread of the disease. It is essential to ensure that vaccines are delivered promptly, resources are mobilized effectively, and prevention and response efforts are strengthened to control the outbreaks and protect the health of populations at risk.
