NAIROBI, Kenya- Nigeria has taken a significant step in combating the mpox virus, formerly known as monkeypox, by becoming the first African nation to receive 10,000 doses of a vaccine.
This development marks a crucial moment in Africa’s fight against the disease, which has disproportionately impacted the continent during the current outbreak.
The vaccines, donated by the United States, arrive at a time when swift action is needed to prevent the virus from spreading further.
Nigeria’s successful acquisition of the mpox vaccines didn’t happen by chance. The West African nation had been working to secure the doses even before the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global health emergency earlier this month.
With 40 confirmed cases this year, Nigeria suspects the actual number could be as high as 700, underscoring the urgent need for these vaccines, according to a report on BBC. .
At a press conference in Abuja, US Ambassador Richard Mills commended Nigeria for its proactive approach.
He highlighted that this early action helped the country secure the first batch of vaccines ahead of other African nations, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has reported more than 18,000 suspected cases and 615 deaths this year.
Nigeria plans to prioritize health workers and at-risk communities in the 13 states affected by mpox during the vaccination campaign. This strategic move is aimed at curbing the spread of the virus, especially in regions where the healthcare infrastructure may be less robust.
Meanwhile, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated that a staggering 10 million doses are needed across the continent, with the DRC being the most in need.
However, the slow global response has drawn criticism. Despite the availability of two smallpox vaccines that can combat mpox, the WHO has yet to approve them officially due to a lack of sufficient data.
This delay, described by critics as “painfully risk-averse,” has hindered a quicker rollout of vaccines across Africa.
Professor Helen Rees, an advisor to the WHO and Africa CDC, emphasized the need for a more agile approval process during emergencies, stating that international health bodies must reconsider their regulatory frameworks when lives are at stake.
The arrival of the first 10,000 doses in Nigeria is a positive development, but much more is needed. While the US has pledged 50,000 doses to the DRC, the delivery date remains uncertain.
The delay in global vaccine distribution could have been shorter if more wealthy nations followed the US example and shared their stockpiles.
As Professor Rees pointed out, many countries still hold millions of doses in reserve, which could be critical in addressing this global health emergency.
