The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ministry of Health has received its first batch of mpox vaccines, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Union, and UNICEF.
According to local media reports, the ministry took delivery of 99,100 vaccine doses last Thursday, part of an expected 200,000 doses set to arrive.
The vaccines will be prioritized for regions most affected by mpox, including South Kivu, North Kivu, Tshuapa, Equateur, North Ubangi, Mongala, Sankuru, Congo Central, Grand Bandundu, and Kinshasa.
Once the second batch arrives, the vaccination campaign will expand to cover the remaining 15 provinces.
Congolese Health Minister Roger Kamba highlighted the importance of these vaccines, noting their proven effectiveness in Europe and the United States.
He emphasized that with the backing of the European Union and the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the country was able to secure these crucial doses.
The minister assured that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure the safe transport and storage of the vaccines, which are vital for a successful immunization campaign.
He pointed out that the Congo has considerable experience in managing vaccine logistics and infrastructure, supported by organizations such as the Global Alliance for Vaccines and the National Institute of Biomedical Research, ensuring that the vaccines can be stored safely at temperatures between -20°C and -30°C.
Thanks to logistical support funded by the Africa CDC and other partners, UNICEF will oversee the distribution of vaccines across the country, ensuring they reach even the most remote areas.
These mpox vaccines are part of a larger consignment of 215,000 doses secured by the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority, aimed at helping African countries most affected by the monkeypox outbreak.
