The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will not receive its anticipated shipment of mpox vaccines this week, contrary to earlier expectations. The delay is due to ongoing procedural steps before the vaccines can be delivered.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has announced that it will not receive its first shipment of mpox vaccines this week. The delay comes as global health experts confirm that the disease’s spread can still be managed effectively.
According to Cris Kacita, head of the DRC’s response team, several steps are still required before the vaccines can be delivered. The Congolese pharmaceutical regulatory body needs to consult with Danish drug manufacturer Bavarian Nordic before proceeding.
Kacita noted, “We’re waiting.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that the outbreaks in the DRC and surrounding areas can be controlled through coordinated efforts. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that the virus’s spread is still preventable.
This development occurs as authorities work to address the virus, which the WHO has recently labeled a global public health emergency for the second time in two years. While the majority of cases are in the DRC, other countries in Asia and Europe have also reported infections.
On August 19, the health minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was hopeful that vaccine deliveries might begin within the week, thanks to support pledged by Japan and the United States.
On Monday, a German government spokesperson announced that Germany would provide 100,000 vaccine doses as the DRC reported over 1,000 new mpox cases in the previous week.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 21,300 suspected or confirmed cases and 590 deaths across 12 African countries as of Thursday.
The World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that it is significantly boosting its staffing in affected regions as part of a six-month initiative. This plan aims to increase vaccine access and enhance prevention and response efforts.
The WHO’s strategy will prioritize vaccination for those at the highest risk, including close contacts of recent cases and healthcare workers, to halt transmission. The initiative will require $135 million in funding, with a funding appeal expected soon.
