The Democratic Republic of Congo has launched its first vaccination campaign against mpox in the eastern city of Goma, which was hit the hardest by an outbreak. Vaccines were first administered to hospital staff on Saturday, with the wider vaccine drive set to start on Monday in the east of the country, where the current outbreak began last year. However, the Ministry of Public Health warned that the campaign would be limited due to limited resources, with only 265,000 doses currently available. Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba emphasized that the aim of the drive was to target priority groups, including health workers and those with existing health issues. Additional doses of the vaccine are expected to arrive from France, Japan, and the United States.
The virus can spread through close contact with an infected person or animal. Once contracted, the virus typically causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions on the body. Since the start of 2024, the DRC has reported more than 30,000 suspected and confirmed cases of mpox, with 900 deaths, according to the World Health Organization. The WHO declared mpox a public health emergency in August after discovering a new, more infectious variant of the virus named clade Ib. Mpox has been detected in 16 African countries this year, highlighting the need for effective testing and vaccination efforts.
In response to the outbreak, the World Health Organization has approved a PCR test to detect mpox by swabbing skin lesions. Health Minister Kamba mentioned that the WHO has pledged about 4,500 tests for the DRC, although an arrival date was not provided. This testing method will help in identifying and isolating cases of mpox, preventing further spread of the virus. The vaccine rollout in the DRC marks an important step in limiting the spread of the virus and ensuring the safety of families and communities, according to WHO Africa Director Matshidiso Moeti.
In an effort to support African nations, US President Joe Biden announced plans to donate one million doses of the mpox vaccine. This donation will contribute to the vaccination efforts in the DRC and other countries facing outbreaks of the virus. With more doses of the vaccine expected to arrive from various countries, there is hope that the spread of mpox can be contained and controlled. Health workers and those with existing health issues will be among the first to receive the vaccine, in line with the priority groups identified by the Ministry of Public Health.
As the vaccination campaign progresses, it is crucial for the DRC to continue working closely with international organizations such as the WHO to ensure effective testing, treatment, and prevention measures are in place. By implementing comprehensive strategies to combat mpox, the country can reduce the impact of the outbreak on its population and healthcare system. The approval of the PCR test for mpox detection is a significant development in this effort, as it will enable quicker diagnosis and containment of cases. By prioritizing the most vulnerable groups for vaccination, the DRC is taking a proactive approach to managing the outbreak and protecting its citizens from the virus.
