Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News

5 minutes read. Updated 1:17AM GMT Thurs, 7th November, 2024

In a bid to curb the spread of mpox across some of Africa’s hardest-hit regions, nine African nations will receive vaccine allocations from the World Health Organization (WHO) under its Access and Allocation Mechanism (AAM). These countries – Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda – have reported significant mpox outbreaks this year, with cases and fatalities continuing to rise. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) alone, which has recorded over 38,000 suspected cases and more than 1,000 deaths, is set to receive the largest share of vaccines, amounting to 85% of the 900,000 doses allocated to Africa.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, remains a critical public health issue on the continent, leading the WHO and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to declare it a “public health emergency of international concern” and a “public health emergency of continental security” respectively. The ongoing spread of the disease has drawn the attention of both global health authorities and wealthier nations, which have committed over 3.6 million vaccine doses to assist African countries in containing the virus.

The Scale of Mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Among the affected nations, the DRC is widely recognized as the epicenter of mpox in Africa, with the disease having spread throughout multiple provinces. According to WHO data, the DRC has accounted for four out of every five confirmed mpox cases in Africa in 2024, making it the most heavily impacted country on the continent. This high concentration of cases is partly attributed to limited vaccination coverage and infrastructure challenges. To date, the DRC and Rwanda are the only two African nations to have conducted limited mpox vaccinations as part of preliminary prevention strategies.

Focus on Vaccine Access and Allocation Mechanism (AAM)

The Access and Allocation Mechanism (AAM) is an initiative led by WHO that aims to provide equitable access to mpox vaccines, treatments, and diagnostic resources for countries that need them the most. By facilitating this distribution, WHO hopes to bolster the response efforts of healthcare workers on the ground and prevent further transmission. The nine countries selected for the first vaccine allocation represent those most affected by the outbreak, though health experts warn that additional African nations may require similar support if mpox continues to spread.

According to the WHO, 19 African nations have recorded mpox cases in 2024, underscoring the continent-wide nature of the crisis. While the DRC remains the focal point, mpox cases have surfaced across West, Central, and East Africa. In Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, and Nigeria, health officials have reported increasing numbers of suspected cases, many of which have been linked to cross-border transmission.

Wealthier Nations Step Up with Vaccine Donations

In response to calls from WHO and Africa CDC, wealthier nations have collectively pledged over 3.6 million doses of mpox vaccines, a move lauded by African health officials. However, the logistical challenges of transporting, storing, and administering these vaccines remain a pressing concern, especially in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure. WHO and Africa CDC have announced plans to work closely with African governments to streamline the distribution and administration of the vaccines.

The Road Ahead for Mpox Response in Africa

With the Democratic Republic of the Congo as the epicenter, and neighboring countries reporting rising numbers, African health officials stress the urgency of a robust vaccination campaign. While the vaccine allocation to nine key nations marks a significant step forward, healthcare experts say that ongoing surveillance, testing, and public awareness efforts will be crucial to containing the outbreak. The vaccine rollout is expected to prioritize healthcare workers and vulnerable populations in high-risk areas, particularly in regions within the DRC where the virus has been most prevalent.

As Africa continues to grapple with this mpox outbreak, international cooperation and funding will be essential to prevent further loss of life and ensure that the healthcare systems of these nations can withstand the strain posed by the virus.

Meta Description

The WHO is set to allocate mpox vaccines to nine African nations, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has reported the majority of cases. With 85% of doses heading to the DRC, the vaccine rollout aims to curb the spread of mpox across the continent.