The Democratic Republic of Congo is set to receive its first delivery of mpox vaccine doses on Thursday and a second delivery on Saturday. This comes after the World Health Organization declared a global public health emergency due to the outbreak. The vaccines, manufactured by Bavarian Nordic and donated by the European Union, will help address the lack of access to vaccines in African countries. Washington and Brussels have pledged tens of thousands of doses to support the vaccination campaign in Congo.
Despite the arrival of the vaccine doses, health authorities in Congo face challenges in launching the vaccination campaign. The doses need to be stored at -90 degrees Celsius and community participation is crucial for the success of the campaign. Communication is key in ensuring that the population accepts the vaccination. The WHO is supporting Congo's response by focusing on communication efforts and addressing disinformation surrounding the vaccines.
Children are at high risk from mpox, but the Bavarian Nordic vaccine is not licensed for children. The WHO recommends its use in outbreaks for children when the benefits outweigh the risks. Mpox can cause flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions, and has already resulted in thousands of cases and hundreds of fatalities in Congo this year. Rural areas are particularly vulnerable due to lack of support and resources.
Overall, the arrival of the vaccine doses is a positive development in the fight against the mpox outbreak in Congo. Effective communication, community participation, and adequate resources are crucial for the success of the vaccination campaign. It is important for the population to understand the importance of getting vaccinated to prevent further spread of the disease and protect vulnerable populations, especially children.
