Kinshasa, 05 October 2024 – The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has kicked off its mpox vaccination campaign in the eastern North Kivu province, introducing a critical intervention to halt the escalating spread of the viral disease and protect vulnerable populations. As one of the worst-hit countries, the DRC has reported over 30,000 suspected and confirmed cases of mpox and close to 1,000 deaths since the beginning of 2024, accounting for 90% of all cases in the African region.
The vaccination effort aims to complement the ongoing outbreak control measures, including enhanced surveillance, public health measures, and community engagement. The initial focus will be on healthcare workers, frontline responders, and contacts of confirmed cases, particularly in the most affected provinces of North Kivu, Equateur, Sankuru, South Kivu, Sud-Ubangi, and Tshopo.
“This vaccination campaign is a critical step in limiting the spread of the virus and ensuring the safety of our communities,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Vaccines are an essential tool in outbreak control, and we are thankful to our partners for their generous donations.”
The DRC has received 265,000 doses of the MVA-BN vaccine, donated by the European Commission’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority, Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, and the United States Government. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that vaccination be integrated into a broader response strategy that includes active surveillance, case management, and contact tracing, as well as public engagement to prevent misinformation about the vaccine.
In preparation for this rollout, WHO has supported the DRC’s health authorities by training healthcare workers, enhancing vaccine storage and distribution infrastructure, and working with community and religious leaders to promote accurate information about the campaign. This is especially important as vaccine supplies remain limited in Africa, and mis- and disinformation could hinder the success of the vaccination drive.
In a move to strengthen the campaign, over 300 WHO experts involved in the DRC’s polio eradication efforts have been redeployed to assist with the mpox outbreak response. These experts bring a wealth of experience in field-based public health practices, including active case surveillance and risk communication. Their contribution is expected to bolster the effectiveness of the campaign.
As part of a broader initiative to increase vaccine availability, the WHO added the MVA-BN vaccine to its prequalification list in September 2024, a step that will facilitate more accessible and rapid distribution to communities in urgent need. The WHO is also working closely with partners like Gavi and UNICEF to ensure a stable supply of vaccines in the coming months, including donations and direct procurements from the vaccine manufacturer.
With the DRC accounting for the majority of mpox cases reported in Africa this year, the success of this vaccination campaign is seen as pivotal in preventing further loss of life and controlling the outbreak.
