WHO, Africa CDC boost Mpox vaccination in Nigeria, 16 others

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) are intensifying efforts to support Mpox vaccine preparedness and deployment in Nigeria and 16 other African countries.

The WHO and Africa CDC collaboration is expected to ensure the efficient use of available vaccines amid ongoing outbreaks.

The decision was made during a meeting in Brazzaville last week, with representatives from 17 countries, as well as partners from Gavi, UNICEF, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and USAID, among others. The meeting focused on targeted Mpox vaccination strategies, with countries requesting support to identify hotspots and reach at-risk populations.

The meeting, held from November 5-7, 2024, involved participants from Burundi, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Kenya, Nigeria, the Republic of Congo, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Experts from WHO and Africa CDC provided countries with up-to-date guidance on vaccine strategies, including tools to develop vaccination plans. WHO has added the MVA-BN vaccine to its prequalification list and established mechanisms to ensure better access to vaccines, treatments, and tests in areas most affected by the outbreak.

“The regional meeting focused on support for the following countries: Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Kenya, Nigeria, the Republic of Congo, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe,” the Africa CDC said in a statement.

“During the meeting, WHO and Africa CDC experts provided countries with the most up-to-date information on WHO recommendations and a set of tools to guide the development of Mpox vaccination plans.

“Both organisations have made concerted efforts to help countries acquire vaccines amid ongoing outbreaks. WHO added the MVA-BN vaccine to its prequalification list on 13 September 2024 and established an Access and Allocation Mechanism to facilitate better access to vaccines, treatments, and tests where they are most needed.”

Despite challenges, such as delayed vaccine deployments and limited supply, recent shipments have reached countries like Rwanda, the DRC, and Nigeria, with 280,000 doses distributed. Rwanda and the DRC have already begun vaccinations, administering over 50,000 doses.

WHO Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, stressed the urgent need for effective vaccine deployment plans, particularly with ongoing supply constraints and the challenges of controlling the outbreak using traditional public health measures.

Africa CDC Director General,Dr Jean Kaseya, praised the swift action of African countries in deploying targeted vaccination strategies. He noted the resilience and commitment of African nations to protect vulnerable populations and halt the transmission of mpox.

“This momentum speaks to the power of collaboration across the continent and with our global partners. Africa CDC remains unwavering in its support, equipping countries with essential tools, guidance, and resources to drive impactful progress in controlling mpox,” he said.

The WHO, Africa CDC, and other partners are working together through the Continental Incident Management Support Team to support countries in their response to mpox outbreaks, which includes vaccination, diagnostics, case management, and community engagement.

As of November 6, 2024, over 11,000 laboratory-confirmed cases have been reported across Africa, with ongoing outbreaks in 14 countries.