Rwanda has made a groundbreaking advancement in public health by launching the first mpox vaccination campaign on the African continent. This initiative aims to combat the growing threat of mpox, particularly in regions at high risk. As of Tuesday, Rwanda has administered 300 doses of the mpox vaccine to individuals in vulnerable populations, focusing on areas near the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the outbreak is most severe.
Jean Kaseya, the Director-General of the Africa Centre for Disease Control (Africa CDC), has underscored the urgency of controlling the mpox outbreak. “This outbreak must be stopped very quickly,” Kaseya stated, reflecting the critical situation in the region. He emphasized the necessity of local vaccine production, adding, “We are working closely with our manufacturers and partners to ensure these vaccines are produced in Africa.” This local production is essential not only for immediate needs but also for future preparedness against similar outbreaks.
The Rwandan Ministry of Health has strategically targeted health workers, cross-border business operators, hospitality staff, and other high-risk populations for the initial rollout of the vaccination campaign. These groups are particularly vulnerable due to their close contact with affected areas and populations, making them a priority for vaccination efforts.
The DRC remains at the epicenter of the mpox outbreak in Africa, reporting alarming figures of 2,912 new cases and 14 deaths within just one week. Since the beginning of the year, the DRC has recorded a total of 6,105 cases and 738 deaths. To combat this escalating crisis, the DRC plans to commence its vaccination efforts in early October, having already received 165,000 doses of the vaccine with additional supplies pledged by European nations.
Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), has called for global cooperation to effectively stop the spread of mpox. In a recent statement on social media, he wrote, “International collaboration and support are needed to stop the spread of the virus.” This emphasizes the importance of a united effort in addressing health crises that transcend national borders.
Rwanda’s vaccination campaign is not happening in isolation. Other African nations, such as Nigeria, have also received significant support in their fight against mpox. In August, the United States donated 10,000 doses of the mpox vaccine to Nigeria through USAID, aiding the country’s efforts to contain the outbreak and protect its population.
Rwanda’s proactive approach in launching its mpox vaccination campaign sets a precedent for public health initiatives across Africa. By focusing on high-risk groups and advocating for local vaccine production, Rwanda is taking crucial steps toward safeguarding its population and combating the mpox outbreak effectively. This initiative not only benefits Rwanda but also contributes to the broader fight against infectious diseases on the continent, emphasizing the need for collaboration and support among nations.
