Story Summary:
- Arrival of JYNNEOS Vaccine: Africa CDC and UNICEF have delivered 99,100 doses of the JYNNEOS mpox vaccine to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
- Key Figures: The vaccine was received by DRC’s Minister of Health Samuel Roger Kamba, H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya (Africa CDC), Grant Leaity (UNICEF), and Laurent Muschel (HERA).
- Current Situation: DRC has reported over 4,901 confirmed mpox cases and more than 629 deaths since the start of 2024.
- Additional Shipments: An extra 100,900 doses are expected to arrive on September 7, 2024, bringing the total to 200,000 doses.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have announced the arrival of 99,100 doses of the JYNNEOS mpox vaccine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This delivery marks a crucial step in the fight against the escalating mpox epidemic in the region.
The vaccine shipment was officially received by DRC’s Minister of Health, Samuel Roger Kamba, along with key figures including H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC; Grant Leaity, UNICEF Representative in DRC; and Laurent Muschel, Director General of the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA).
Since the beginning of 2024, the DRC has reported over 4,901 confirmed mpox cases and more than 629 deaths, indicating a significant increase in both infections and fatalities compared to previous years. The introduction of the JYNNEOS vaccine is a critical intervention aimed at curbing the spread of the virus and protecting at-risk populations.
“We are pleased to receive the first shipment of nearly 100,000 doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine in the DRC, with an additional 100,900 doses arriving on September 7, 2024. By the end of the week, we will have a total of 200,000 doses available in the country,” said H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya. “These vaccines are essential in safeguarding our health workers and vulnerable populations and in controlling the spread of mpox. This milestone underscores the strong partnership between Africa CDC, the European Union through HERA, and Bavarian Nordic. We are committed to ensuring no one is left behind in our mission to protect our people and manage this outbreak.”
Minister Samuel Roger Kamba emphasized the importance of the vaccine delivery, stating, “Receiving these vaccines is a crucial step in our fight against mpox. Our focus is on protecting the health of our population, particularly our children who are the most vulnerable. We will continue to collaborate with our partners to control the disease and ensure a healthier future for all Congolese.”
Laurent Muschel, Head of HERA, remarked, “We are delighted to respond swiftly to the Public Health Emergency of International Concern, ensuring that vaccines are arriving in the DRC today. This delivery marks the beginning of Team Europe’s global response to the crisis. We will continue to work closely with our partners to protect vulnerable populations across the continent.”
Grant Leaity, UNICEF Representative, added, “The shipment of these vaccines is a significant health milestone as they will help protect communities, particularly health workers and those at risk. UNICEF is committed to supporting the Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene, and Prevention in distributing these vaccines and ensuring they reach the most vulnerable individuals.”
Mpox is a preventable disease, and the JYNNEOS vaccine has proven to be highly effective in reducing transmission and preventing severe complications. The DRC Ministry of Health, in collaboration with UNICEF, is assessing the needs of children and adolescents to extend vaccination coverage to younger populations if necessary. Health workers and other at-risk groups are advised to receive the vaccine to combat the disease effectively.
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