When the Mpox vaccine becomes available this year, thousands of truck drivers will be among the first Kenyans to receive it, according to new recommendations.
To prevent disease and death, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that individuals most at risk be prioritized for vaccination.
The Kenya Long Distance Truck Drivers and Allied Workers Union, a lobby group, claims that at least 10,000 licensed long-distance truck drivers are based in Kenya.
Of the five Kenyans who contracted Mpox, four are truck drivers, and one is a trucker’s spouse.
According to the Ministry of Health, Kenya will require roughly two million doses, contingent upon the availability of vaccines.
The WHO, in collaboration with its partners, has established a system to ensure access to vaccines, medical interventions, and diagnostic testing.
“The Access and Allocation Mechanism will ensure that the limited supplies are used effectively and equitably, and that access is increased for those at the highest risk,” WHO stated.
This year, Mpox cases have been reported in fifteen African countries.
WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus emphasized that the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the need for global cooperation to advance equitable access to vaccines.
“To prevent infections, stop transmission, and save lives, we urge countries with vaccine supplies and other tools to step forward with donations,” he stated.
More than 3.6 million doses of vaccines have been pledged for the Mpox response. This includes 620,000 doses of the MVA-BN vaccine, which the U.S., Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, and Spain, along with the European Commission, have committed to donate to affected nations. Japan has pledged three million doses of the LC16 vaccine, the largest number pledged so far.
According to the WHO, the Access and Allocation Mechanism (AAM) is working to distribute the limited vaccine and diagnostic resources to those most at risk.
This includes vaccinating contacts of confirmed cases and providing ongoing outbreak countries with point-of-care diagnostics, so individuals suspected of Mpox infection can be systematically tested and treated.
The AAM aims to ensure equitable access to medical countermeasures for all at risk, regardless of socioeconomic status or demographic background.
Additionally, the mechanism will maintain transparent and accountable communication regarding allocation decisions and will adapt plans as new information or evolving circumstances arise.
Dr. Mike Ryan, Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Program, stated, “WHO and partners are supporting the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other countries in implementing an integrated approach to case detection, contact tracing, targeted vaccination, clinical and home care, infection prevention and control, community engagement, and specialized logistical support.”
“The AAM will ensure success on the ground by providing a reliable pipeline of vaccines and other tools to stop transmission and reduce suffering.”
On September 5, Kenya announced its fifth case of Mpox.
The patient, according to the Ministry of Health, is a 28-year-old resident of the VOK area in Mombasa. At the time, the patient was in isolation at the Mpox isolation center at Utange Hospital and is the spouse of the fourth case.
The fourth case was reported in Nakuru.
“The patient has no travel history to a country reporting Mpox cases. Her spouse had recently traveled to Rwanda and returned on August 24,” stated Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa.
By September 6, the ministry reported that of the 124 samples sent for testing, 110 were negative, while nine were still under analysis.
More than 700,000 travelers have been screened at 24 points of entry across the country.
“Active surveillance for suspected cases is ongoing to control the spread of the disease,” Barasa stated.
Ministry data shows that two of the five positive cases have recovered, while 33 contacts are currently in isolation.
