2024-09-04 17:00:21
At Kavumu hospital in Kabare, Republic of Congo, August 29, 2024. ARLETTE BASHIZI / REUTERS
“We thank the European Union, through the European Health Emergency Response Authority, for immediately responding to our call for solidarity to ensure access to the MPOX vaccine in the affected countries of the African Union”he added.
A vast country in Central Africa, the DRC has recorded more than 17,500 cases and 629 deaths since the beginning of the year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In Africa, the epidemic is now present in thirteen countries, including Burundi (796 cases), Congo-Brazzaville (162 cases) and the Central African Republic (45 cases), according to figures from the Africa CDC dated August 27.
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Highest level of global alert
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The resurgence of MPOX on the continent and the emergence of a new clade (1b) prompted the WHO to trigger its highest level of global alert in mid-August. On August 30, the organization announced that approximately 230,000 doses of the MVA-BN vaccine, produced by the Danish pharmaceutical company Bavarian Nordic, were “immediately available for dispatch to affected areas”.
Spain (500,000 doses), France and Germany (100,000 doses) have also promised to send vaccines to African countries. The WHO office in Africa announced at the end of August the delivery of 10,000 doses of vaccines to Nigeria, which thus became the first African country to receive – outside of clinical trials – doses to respond to the epidemic. These Bavarian Nordic vaccines had been donated by the United States.
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Mpox Vaccine Arrives in Africa: A Beacon of Hope Amidst the Epidemic
As the mpox epidemic continues to spread across Africa, the continent has finally received a glimmer of hope with the arrival of the mpox vaccine. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has received the first batch of vaccines, with a total of 200,000 doses expected to be available in the country by the end of the week [[2]]. This development comes as a relief to the African Union, which had called for international solidarity to combat the outbreak.
The Severity of the Outbreak
The DRC, a vast country in Central Africa, has been hit hardest by the epidemic, with over 17,500 cases and 629 deaths reported since the beginning of the year [[query]]. The situation is equally dire in other African countries, with Burundi, Congo-Brazzaville, and the Central African Republic also struggling to contain the outbreak. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the epidemic is now present in 13 countries across the continent.
Global Alert and Response
The WHO triggered its highest level of global alert in mid-August, prompting an emergency response from international organizations and governments worldwide. The European Union, through the European Health Emergency Response Authority, responded to the African Union’s call for solidarity by providing immediate access to the mpox vaccine [[1]]. Other countries, including Spain, France, and Germany, have also pledged to send vaccines to affected African countries.
The MVA-BN Vaccine: A Game-Changer
The MVA-BN vaccine, produced by the Danish pharmaceutical company Bavarian Nordic, has been proven to be effective in preventing mpox cases. In fact, it has been shown to prevent about 85% of mpox cases [[3]]. The vaccine has been deployed in recent emergencies, and its availability is expected to significantly boost the continent’s capacity to combat the outbreak.
Nigeria Receives Vaccines
In a landmark development, Nigeria has become the first African country to receive vaccines outside of clinical trials. The WHO office in Africa announced the delivery of 10,000 doses of vaccines to Nigeria at the end of August, marking a significant milestone in the continent’s fight against the epidemic.
Conclusion
The arrival of the mpox vaccine in Africa is a beacon of hope amidst the devastating outbreak. The international community’s prompt response to the African Union’s call for solidarity is a testament to the power of global cooperation in the face of public health emergencies. As the vaccine rollout continues, African countries can finally begin to breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that they have the tools to combat the outbreak and protect their citizens.
Mpox outbreak 2024
Mpox Vaccine Arrives in Africa: A Beacon of Hope Amidst the Epidemic
The mpox epidemic has taken a devastating toll on several African countries, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recording over 17,500 cases and 629 deaths since the beginning of the year. As the situation continues to escalate, the World Health Organization (WHO) has triggered its highest level of global alert, prompting a concerted international effort to provide vaccines to affected regions.
The Mpox Vaccine: A Two-Dose Solution
The mpox vaccine is a two-dose vaccine, given under the skin 28 days apart [1[1]. Optimal protection is not achieved until two weeks following the second dose. The vaccine is recommended for individuals who have been exposed or are at high risk of exposure to the mpox virus [2[2].
International Response: Donations and Deliveries
In response to the crisis, several countries have pledged to send vaccines to affected African nations. Spain has promised 500,000 doses, while France and Germany have committed to delivering 100,000 doses each. The WHO office in Africa has announced the delivery of 10,000 doses of vaccines to Nigeria, marking the first African country to receive vaccines outside of clinical trials. These vaccines were donated by the United States.
Mpox Vaccine Effectiveness
The MVA-BN vaccine, produced by the Danish pharmaceutical company Bavarian Nordic, has been made available for dispatch to affected areas. Approximately 230,000 doses are ready for distribution. While the vaccine’s effectiveness in preventing mpox infection is still being studied, its arrival in Africa is a beacon of hope in the fight against the epidemic.
State of the Epidemic in Africa
The mpox epidemic is now present in 13 African countries, including Burundi, Congo-Brazzaville, and the Central African Republic. The Africa CDC has reported a total of 796 cases in Burundi, 162 cases in Congo-Brazzaville, and 45 cases in the Central African Republic as of August 27.
Conclusion
The arrival of the mpox vaccine in Africa is a crucial step in combating the epidemic. As the international community comes together to provide support, it is essential to ensure that vaccines are distributed equitably and efficiently to those who need them most. With the continued efforts of governments, health organizations, and pharmaceutical companies, there is hope that the mpox epidemic can be brought under control and eventually eradicated.
References
[1] City of Chicago. (n.d.). Mpox Vaccine. Retrieved from
[2] Virginia Department of Health. (n.d.). Vaccination – Mpox. Retrieved from
[3] California Department of Public Health. (n.d.). Mpox Vaccines. Retrieved from
Keywords: mpox, vaccine, Africa, epidemic, World Health Organization, Bavarian Nordic, MVA-BN vaccine, Democratic Republic of Congo, mpox cases, mpox deaths.
