Brazzaville, Congo – This week, experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) convened in Brazzaville, joined by representatives from various African countries and partners, to collaborate on enhancing mpox vaccine preparedness and deployment strategies. Their overarching goal is to optimize the efficient use of available vaccine doses as they prepare for imminent deliveries to the African continent.
With the anticipation of upcoming mpox vaccine shipments to the African region within the next few months, countries have proactively sought guidance in pinpointing and mapping mpox hotspots informed by local epidemiological data. This effort aims to develop highly targeted vaccination strategies to effectively reach populations that are most at risk of contracting mpox.
“Given the ongoing difficulties with bringing the outbreak under control using traditional public health measures, the need for effective mpox vaccine preparedness and deployment plans has become urgent. With the mpox vaccine supply constraints, countries will need to develop very targeted deployment plans, guided by local epidemiology,” emphasized Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, underscoring the critical nature of this initiative.
The meeting attracted over 120 participants from 17 different countries, including valuable representatives from organizations such as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States Agency for International Development, and supportive personnel from Canada. This diverse collaboration took place during the Regional Mpox Vaccine Preparedness and Deployment Plan Development meeting held from November 5 to 7, 2024.
During the sessions, WHO and Africa CDC experts equipped participating countries with the most current WHO recommendations, alongside a comprehensive toolkit designed to assist with the specific development of mpox vaccination operational plans. This approach is crucial for ensuring that countries can effectively strategize their vaccination efforts.
Both WHO and Africa CDC have been steadfast in their efforts to support countries in acquiring the crucial vaccines amidst enduring outbreaks. Recently, the WHO added the MVA-BN vaccine to its prequalification list on September 13, 2024, and established an Access and Allocation Mechanism (AAM). This mechanism is designed to facilitate prioritization and access to vaccines, treatments, and diagnostic tests in the areas they are most urgently needed during these challenging times.
Despite facing delays in mpox vaccine distributions across the continent, recent developments have allowed three African countries—Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Nigeria—to receive a collective total of 280,000 doses. Initial vaccination campaigns have commenced in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, with more than 50,000 doses successfully administered thus far.
“The swift actions of countries across Africa to roll out targeted mpox vaccination strategies reflect an extraordinary commitment to protect those most vulnerable. Achieving this progress within a short window of time underscores the ambition and resilience of our member states to halt transmission and safeguard at-risk populations. This momentum speaks to the power of collaboration across the continent and with our global partners. Africa CDC remains unwavering in its support, equipping countries with essential tools, guidance, and resources to drive impactful progress in controlling mpox,” stated Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC.
WHO, Africa CDC, and other partner organizations continue to work in concert through the Continental Incident Management Support Team (IMST) to bolster countries’ preparedness and responsiveness to mpox outbreaks. Their collaborative efforts extend beyond vaccination initiatives and include vital components such as diagnostics, case management, risk communication, and robust community engagement strategies.
The urgency of collaboration between these agencies is accentuated by the rising number of mpox cases throughout the continent and the emergence of new cases beyond Africa’s borders. As of November 6, 2024, there have been over 11,000 laboratory-confirmed mpox cases reported since the beginning of the year. In a positive turn, four countries—South Africa, Guinea, Cameroon, and Gabon—transitioned to the ‘controlled phase’ in October 2024 after reporting no new cases for six consecutive weeks. Nonetheless, fourteen additional countries are currently grappling with active outbreaks of mpox across Africa.
The regional meeting specifically addressed support for the following countries: Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Kenya, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
About Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) operates as a premier public health agency under the auspices of the African Union. This autonomous body is devoted to enhancing the health systems of member states while improving disease surveillance, emergency response capabilities, and comprehensive disease control methodologies.
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Media Contacts:
Margaret Edwin | Director of Communication and Public Information | Africa CDC [email protected]
**Interview with Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Moeti. These recent meetings in Brazzaville, Congo, highlight an urgent response to the mpox crisis in Africa. Could you elaborate on why this initiative is so crucial at this moment?
**Dr. Moeti:** Thank you for having me. The urgency of our initiative stems from the persistent challenges we face in controlling mpox outbreaks through traditional public health measures. With the increased difficulty in containing the virus, the effective deployment of the mpox vaccine is not just timely; it’s imperative. Our soon-to-be received vaccine shipments will be a critical tool in reaching the most vulnerable populations and controlling transmission.
**Editor:** You mentioned mapping mpox hotspots. How will this data inform vaccination strategies?
**Dr. Moeti:** By harnessing local epidemiological data, we can identify areas at the highest risk for mpox transmission. This targeted approach allows us to allocate vaccine doses more efficiently, ensuring that we focus our efforts where they are needed most. Such specificity is essential, especially given the limited supply of vaccines.
**Editor:** Over 120 participants from 17 countries attended the meeting. How does this level of collaboration benefit the deployment of the vaccine?
**Dr. Moeti:** Collaboration is key. By bringing together various stakeholders, from public health officials to international organizations like Gavi and UNICEF, we create a robust support network. This diverse assembly facilitates sharing best practices, resources, and knowledge, ultimately enhancing our collective response to mpox outbreaks.
**Editor:** I understand that some countries have already begun administering vaccines. What progress have you seen so far?
**Dr. Moeti:** Yes, indeed. Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Nigeria have received close to 280,000 doses collectively. We’ve seen successful initial vaccination campaigns in the DRC and Rwanda, with over 50,000 doses already administered. This swift action reflects the commitment of these countries to protect their most vulnerable populations.
**Editor:** Lastly, what is the outlook for the coming months in terms of mpox case management and vaccination efforts across Africa?
**Dr. Moeti:** We remain cautiously optimistic. The response from African nations has been remarkable, showcasing their resilience and dedication. As WHO, Africa CDC, and our partners continue to work closely, we’re focusing not just on vaccinations but also vital components like diagnostics and community engagement. The fight against mpox is a collective endeavor, and together we aim to curb the spread and protect our communities.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Moeti, for your insights and commitment to this critical public health issue.
**Dr. Moeti:** Thank you for having me. Together, we can make a difference.
