Introduction

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is confronted with a critical challenge in its efforts to combat a surge of mpox cases, especially among children, in the capital city of Kinshasa. The nation is grappling with a severe shortage of vaccine doses, which is hampering the launch of a much-needed vaccination campaign, according to officials leading the country’s response.

Global Health Emergency Declared

In mid-August, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified mpox as a global health emergency following the detection of a new strain that has begun spreading from Congo to neighboring nations, raising alarming concerns among health officials.

Vaccine Shortages and Delays

Despite the urgency, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that international donors have been sluggish in converting their financial pledges into actual vaccine deliveries. Cris Kacita, head of operations for Congo's mpox control program, revealed that the country currently has only 53,921 doses allocated for use in prisons—areas where individuals are at heightened risk due to unsanitary conditions. In stark contrast, health authorities estimate that they need over 162,000 doses to effectively kickstart the vaccination initiative in Kinshasa.

International Support

In a glimmer of hope, Daphne Von Buxhoeveden from the European Union’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority announced that a shipment of 100,000 vaccine doses from Germany is expected to arrive imminently. Meanwhile, Bavarian Nordic, the supplier of the mpox vaccine Jynneos, confirmed that 265,000 doses have already been dispatched to various African nations, with an additional 1 million doses awaiting shipment to the continent.

Logistical Challenges

“We are simply waiting for Africa to specify where the vaccines should be sent,” a spokesperson for Bavarian Nordic stated, emphasizing that the challenges in vaccination implementation are not due to a lack of available vaccines but rather related to logistical delays in the process. Kacita pointed out that administrative issues—including requests for shipments, manufacturing timelines, and import approvals—have significantly delayed vaccine arrivals.

Impact on Vaccination Initiatives

"The absence of the requisite number of vaccines makes it nearly impossible to launch vaccination efforts across the 14 health zones in Kinshasa," Kacita warned.

Current Situation in Kinshasa

Although Kinshasa, home to nearly 20 million residents, has experienced fewer cases compared to other regions, there are ongoing vaccination programs in six provinces. The urgent need for targeted vaccination campaigns is underscored by alarming data from the humanitarian organization Save the Children, which indicates a staggering 130% increase in suspected mpox cases among children since mid-August, jumping from 11,300 to over 25,600 as of November 3.

Vulnerability of Children

“Children are particularly susceptible to mpox,” stated Katia Vieira de Moraes LaCasse from Save the Children. “They often explore by touch and taste, lack full understanding of health guidelines, and possess weaker immune systems compared to adults.”

International Interest in Vaccines

In addition to the efforts within Congo, Russia's consumer health watchdog has reported that multiple nations in Africa and the former Soviet bloc have expressed interest in acquiring Russia's vaccine against both mpox and smallpox, signaling an international recognition of the urgent need for vaccinations.

Conclusion

As the situation continues to develop, the DRC's health authorities face immense pressure to secure the necessary resources and support to protect its most vulnerable populations—particularly its children—from the rapidly spreading mpox virus.