Introduction

In a pivotal meeting held in Brazzaville, Congo, experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) convened this week with representatives from 17 African countries to design effective mpox vaccination plans. This initiative is aimed at ensuring efficient usage of the vaccines that are becoming available as supply constraints continue to pose challenges.

Urgency of Vaccination Plans

With a surge of mpox outbreaks and the imminent arrival of additional vaccines, countries expressed the urgent need for guidance on identifying mpox hotspots and formulating tailored vaccination strategies. “The traditional public health measures have struggled to bring the outbreak under control, which is why developing effective mpox vaccination preparedness and deployment plans is imperative,” stated Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

Meeting Overview

The meeting, which took place from November 5-7, 2024, brought together over 120 participants from multiple sectors, including global partners such as Gavi, UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The collaborative effort is crucial in mapping out a strategic response to the ongoing mpox crisis.

Vaccine Supply Efforts

Both WHO and Africa CDC are exerting persistent efforts to help countries secure vaccine supplies. Notably, on September 13, 2024, WHO added the MVA-BN vaccine to its prequalification list and established an Access and Allocation Mechanism (AAM) to enhance vaccine distribution where it is most needed.

Current Vaccination Campaigns

As of now, three African nations—Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Nigeria—have begun receiving vaccine shipments, totaling 280,000 doses. Initial vaccination campaigns have kicked off, with more than 50,000 doses already administered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. This swift action highlights the countries' commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations and combating transmission.

Collaborative Efforts

Dr. Jean Kaseya, the Director General of Africa CDC, praised the collaborative spirit among African nations, emphasizing that such cooperation is essential for controlling mpox and helping at-risk populations. “This momentum demonstrates the strength of partnership across the continent and with global allies,” he affirmed.

The Current Situation

The urgency of the situation is underscored by the rising number of mpox cases, with over 11,000 laboratory-confirmed instances reported since the start of 2024. Notably, four nations—South Africa, Guinea, Cameroon, and Gabon—entered a 'controlled phase' in October 2024, registering no new cases for six consecutive weeks. Meanwhile, 14 countries are facing active outbreaks.

Continued Support and Strategy

The focus of the regional meeting included support for countries such as Burundi, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, and Uganda, amongst others. WHO and Africa CDC are not just concentrating on vaccination; their collaborative strategy also encompasses diagnostics, case management, risk communication, and community engagement.

Conclusion

As the situation evolves, the collective response from WHO, Africa CDC, and their partners stands as a testament to global health solidarity in the face of a continuing public health challenge.