Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)– In a significant development in the global fight against mpox, the Democratic Republic of Congo has received its first shipment of vaccines intended to combat the viral outbreak ravaging the nation. This landmark event took place on September 5, 2024, at the Kinshasa International Airport, Nsele district, where journalists gathered to witness the arrival of the much-needed medical aid.
The European Union (EU) contributed nearly half of the 200,000 doses of the MVA-BN vaccine, with an additional 50,000 doses from the United States, aimed at mitigating the mpox crisis that has seen over 19,000 cases and 650 deaths in the DRC, as per the latest data from the Ministry of Health.
Photographic evidence released by the EU’s Press Service captured the action of journalists documenting this critical moment, which is seen as a positive shift in addressing the mpox emergency.
Global Health Community Rallies
In a related announcement, the World Health Organisation (WHO) on September 8, 2024, heralded the prequalification of the MVA-BN vaccine, a move anticipated to expedite access to mpox vaccines globally, particularly in hard-hit areas like Africa. The prequalification signifies the WHO’s endorsement of the vaccine’s quality, safety, and efficacy, accelerating its procurement by international agencies and low-income countries lacking the means to perform their evaluations.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus underscored the prequalification’s significance: “This first prequalification of a vaccine against mpox is an important step in our fight against the disease, both in the context of the current outbreaks in Africa, and in future. We now need urgent scale up in procurement, donations, and rollout to ensure equitable access to vaccines where they are needed most… to prevent infections, stop transmission, and save lives.”
Vaccine Details and Usage Guidelines
The prequalification assessment relied on data from Bavarian Nordic A/S, the vaccine manufacturer, and review by the European Medicines Agency. The MVA-BN vaccine, designed for individuals above 18 years, requires two doses administered four weeks apart. WHO acknowledged its potential off-label use for infants, children, adolescents, pregnant, and immunocompromised individuals in outbreak settings, where vaccination advantages supersede potential risks.
In scenarios of vaccine supply constraints, WHO recommends a single-dose administration, showing an estimated 76% effectiveness against mpox, with the two-dose regimen providing approximately 82% effectiveness.
Urgency of Effective Measures
The urgency of these actions is highlighted by the alarming spread of a new Clade 1b strain in the DRC, which has also permeated neighboring countries, prompting the WHO to declare an international emergency last month. The DRC has reported close to 22,000 cases and 716 fatalities since January, placing immense pressure on health authorities to curb the epidemic’s spread.
“The WHO prequalification of the MVA-BN vaccine will help accelerate ongoing procurement of the mpox vaccines by governments and international agencies… on the frontlines of the ongoing emergency in Africa and beyond,” stated Yukiko Nakatani, WHO’s assistant chief in charge of access to medicines and health products.
The arrival of vaccines in Kinshasa not only marks a pivotal moment for the DRC but also underscores the collaborative global effort required to combat mpox and safeguard public health.
As the international community continues its concerted efforts, including procurement and equitable distribution of vaccines, there’s renewed hope in containing the mpox outbreak and preventing further transmission.
