Significant Vaccination Efforts Against Mpox in Congo and Rwanda

The WHO reported that over 50,000 people in Congo and Rwanda have been vaccinated against mpox amid an outbreak that has claimed over 1,100 lives in Africa. The African Union has warned of a potentially more severe pandemic than COVID-19, with nearly 900,000 vaccine doses allocated to nine countries. The vaccination effort has been supported by donations from the U.S. and the European Commission.

On Friday, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that over 50,000 individuals have been vaccinated against mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. The declaration comes amidst a dire situation where more than 1,100 fatalities from mpox have been reported across Africa, prompting the African Union’s health authority to voice concerns regarding a potential pandemic that could surpass the severity of COVID-19. The health watchdog underscored the necessity for additional resources to combat the outbreak that remains uncontrolled. Since January, Africa has registered approximately 48,000 cases of mpox, with the DRC being the epicenter of the outbreak, where the vaccination campaign commenced last month. Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus specified that the vaccinations were made possible through contributions from the United States and the European Commission. Furthermore, he indicated that nearly 900,000 doses of vaccines have been allocated to nine countries, which were to be notified on the same day. “This is the first allocation of almost six million vaccine doses that we expect to be available by the end of 2024,” stated Mr. Tedros regarding the Access and Allocation Mechanism established by the WHO and its partners. Mpox is a viral disease that arises from transmission by infected animals to humans, and it can spread between individuals through close contact. Symptoms include fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that evolves into painful blisters.

Mpox, once known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that is epidemiologically similar to smallpox. It occurs in humans and is primarily spread through contact with infected animals or through direct human-to-human contact. The resurgence of mpox has raised significant public health concerns, especially in regions like Africa, where it has become a more prominent threat. Recent data indicate an alarming increase in cases and deaths, necessitating urgent intervention measures, including vaccination drives in high-risk areas. The emergence of mpox as a cause for concern reflects a broader pattern of zoonotic diseases, which continue to pose significant health risks globally.

In summary, the ongoing mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda has resulted in significant fatalities across Africa, prompting urgent vaccination efforts. With over 50,000 individuals vaccinated thus far and additional vaccine allocations expected, health authorities emphasize the need for continued vigilance and resources to manage the outbreak. The complexities of mpox as a viral disease highlight its potential threat comparable to other infectious diseases, necessitating concerted global health responses.

Original Source: www.france24.com