Mpox Outbreak in DRC: Vaccine Shortages Amidst Rising Cases

Health officials and doctors are facing significant challenges as they try to control a surge in mpox cases, previously known as monkeypox, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). While vaccine shipments have started to arrive, the current supply is far below the required 3 million doses. This raises concerns about whether the global response is adequate to prevent a new health crisis.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and UNICEF have announced the arrival of the first batch of 99,100 doses of the JYNNEOS mpox vaccine. This initial shipment is intended to kick-start a crucial vaccination campaign to combat the escalating outbreak in the DRC. The vaccine was officially received by the DRC’s Minister of Health, Samuel Roger Kamba, alongside Africa CDC Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya, UNICEF DRC Representative Grant Leaity, and HERA Director General Laurent Muschel.