The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is facing challenges in receiving its first round of mpox vaccine deliveries this week as global health authorities work to contain the spread of the disease. The head of the country’s response team, Cris Kacita, stated that there are still processes that need to be followed before the vaccines can be received. The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the importance of a coordinated response to prevent further spread of the virus.
Despite difficulties in receiving vaccine deliveries, Germany has pledged to donate 100,000 vaccine doses to the DRC as the country continues to report new cases of mpox. The WHO is increasing its staffing in affected countries and has announced a six-month plan to ensure greater access to vaccines and improve prevention and response efforts. The plan requires $135 million in funding, with a funding appeal set to be launched soon.
As of Thursday, over 21,300 suspected or confirmed cases of mpox have been reported across 12 African nations, resulting in 590 deaths. The WHO’s vaccination efforts will prioritize individuals at the highest risk of contracting the virus, including close contacts of recent cases and healthcare workers. The agency is working towards interrupting transmission chains and stopping the further spread of the disease.
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