Rwanda has become the first African country to administer mpox vaccines, with 300 doses given to high-risk individuals near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. This milestone was announced by the African Union’s Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
The DRC has reported nearly 22,000 cases and over 700 deaths from mpox between January and August 2024. Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya confirmed that vaccinations will begin in the DRC in early October.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is transmitted from animals to humans and can spread through close contact. The World Health Organization recently prequalified the MVA-BN vaccine, enabling its procurement by international agencies.
As of now, Africa has seen 29,152 mpox cases and 738 deaths across 15 countries. Kaseya emphasized that the situation remains critical, with cases on the rise in regions like Burundi and the DRC. The vaccine, effective in protecting against mpox, is recommended for individuals over 18, with potential off-label use in younger populations and high-risk groups.
