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Abuja/Brazzaville – Nigeria has marked a significant milestone as it becomes the first African nation to receive mpox vaccines outside clinical trials. The United States government has donated 10,000 doses of the Jynneos (MVA) vaccine, produced by Bavarian Nordic, to combat the ongoing mpox outbreak. These doses will be distributed across five states with the highest number of cases and administered in a two-dose regimen to 5,000 individuals, including close contacts of infected cases and frontline healthcare workers.
Hon. Muhammad Ali Pate, Nigeria’s Minister of Health, expressed gratitude for the vaccine donation and called for continued global support to tackle mpox. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has granted Emergency Use Authorization for the vaccine, and pre-positioning efforts are underway to ensure timely delivery to priority populations.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, highlighted the delivery as a vital step in addressing the mpox outbreak and a testament to international solidarity. The WHO, alongside partners such as Gavi and UNICEF, is working to enhance vaccine access and support outbreak response efforts across Africa.
Nigeria has been reporting mpox cases since 2022, with 786 suspected and 39 confirmed cases as of August 10, 2024. Globally, more than 15,000 suspected cases have been reported this year, with over 3,500 confirmed cases and 26 deaths. The WHO continues to collaborate with national authorities to strengthen response measures and preparedness.
