Nigeria has become the first country in Africa to receive mpox vaccines outside of clinical trials, marking a significant milestone in the fight against the viral disease that has affected several countries on the continent. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern earlier this year.
The shipment of 10,000 doses of the Jynneos (MVA) vaccine, produced by Bavarian Nordic, was donated by the United States government. The vaccines will be administered in a two-dose schedule to 5,000 people at the highest risk, including close contacts of confirmed cases and frontline healthcare workers. The initial rollout will focus on five Nigerian states with the highest mpox burden, with provisions for reactive vaccination in other states if necessary.
“We are pleased to receive this modest initial donation of the mpox vaccine, which is safe and efficacious. We will continue to strengthen surveillance and be vigilant to prevent and control mpox. We urge the global health community to expand access to vaccines,” said Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Hon Muhammad Ali Pate.
To facilitate the rollout, Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has granted Emergency Use Authorization for the vaccine, and health authorities have prepositioned the vaccines to reach priority populations effectively.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, praised the vaccine delivery as a “crucial addition” to Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to curb the spread of the virus. “The delivery of the mpox vaccines to Nigeria not only constitutes a crucial addition to the ongoing measures to halt the virus and protect health, it’s also a clear demonstration of international solidarity in the face of global public health emergencies. We are grateful for the generosity of the United States government and look forward to increased global support to effectively address the threat of mpox,” she said.
Despite this progress, significant gaps remain in vaccine access, particularly in Africa. WHO is collaborating with countries and vaccine manufacturers to enhance vaccine availability, and the WHO Director-General has initiated the Emergency Use Listing process to accelerate access, especially for lower-income countries. Organizations like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and UNICEF are working with WHO to facilitate vaccine donations from countries with existing stockpiles, ensuring the limited supplies reach the areas of greatest need.
Nigeria has reported mpox cases for several years, with a peak in 2022. As of August 10, 2024, Nigeria has recorded 786 suspected cases and 39 confirmed cases of mpox, with no deaths reported this year. The WHO is actively supporting the Nigerian government in bolstering key aspects of outbreak response, including surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory capacity, and risk communication. Efforts also include enhancing cross-border surveillance, particularly at major points of entry.
Across the African region, 12 countries have reported mpox cases in 2024. Over 15,000 suspected cases have been reported since the beginning of the year, with more than 3,500 cases confirmed and 26 deaths. WHO continues to work with national authorities and partners to strengthen response measures in affected countries and to prepare in those yet to report cases.
The arrival of the mpox vaccines in Nigeria represents a crucial step in combating the virus in Africa and highlights the need for continued international collaboration to address public health emergencies effectively.