CONGO TO RECEIVE CRITICAL MPOX VACCINE SHIPMENTS AMIDST OUTBREAK SURGE
By Edna-UCLIQ
On Wednesday, Congo’s mpox outbreak response head Cris Kacita announced vaccine deliveries. “We’ll receive the first batch on Sept. 5 and a second on Sept. 7,” he said via WhatsApp. Details on the number of doses or the provider were not disclosed.
Congo is at the epicenter of the mpox outbreak. The World Health Organisationdeclared it a global public health emergency last month. Efforts to control the spread have struggled due to vaccine shortages.
Vaccines were widely available in Europe and the U.S. during the 2022 outbreak. African countries, including Congo, had limited access. Washington and Brussels pledged doses from Bavarian Nordic. Delivery is expected soon.
Kacita mentioned Congo aims to start vaccination on Oct. 8, pending vaccine arrival. “The vaccine will not be distributed immediately,” he clarified. It will take about a month to launch the campaign.
The tropical country, roughly the size of western Europe, faces logistical challenges. Vaccines need to be stored at -90 degrees Celsius (-130°F). “We need to communicate so the population accepts the vaccination,” Kacita added. The six targeted provinces have the necessary storage capacity.
Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s acting director of epidemic and pandemic prevention, emphasized communication and vaccine distribution priorities. “We need to address disinformation,” she said. Limited doses mean initial vaccinations will target contacts of known cases.
Mpox often causes flu-like symptoms and can be fatal. Congo reported 19,710 suspected cases by Aug. 31, with 5,041 confirmed and 655 deaths. It spreads through close contact, including sexual contact.
A doctor working in Congo’s response noted challenges. “The greatest loss is in rural areas,” the doctor said. Resources are scarce in these remote areas. “We lack laboratories in places with no water or electricity.”
Van Kerkhove also highlighted a shortage of tests and called for more support. “Vaccines are only part of the solution,” she said. Contact tracing and prevention awareness are crucial.
Congo’s health minister Roger Kamba stressed hygiene in a video message on Wednesday. “Handwashing and disinfecting furniture are key to stopping mpox spread,” he said.
