Addis Ababa, October 6, 2024 – The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) congratulates the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on the successful launch of its MPOX vaccination campaign in two priority provinces. Masu. This marks an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to control the Mpox outbreak and protect vulnerable populations across the country.
in collaboration with the DRC Ministry of Public Health and Prevention, Africa CDC, and global partners including the European Union/HERA, the U.S. government, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Gavi, and the World Food Program (WFP) in Equator and North Kivu provinces. Supporting vaccination of key risk groups. The campaign will soon be expanded to further states to ensure more comprehensive coverage.
The arrival of 265,000 doses of the MVA-BN Mpox vaccine, generously donated by the European Union and facilitated by the Africa CDC in collaboration with the Nordic state of Bavaria, the US government and Gavi, is aimed at increasing the country’s vaccination capacity. This is an important step. Manage trends. Africa CDC applauds this collaboration, which highlights the global effort to combat Mpox in Africa.
“Africa CDC commends the DRC’s swift action in launching its vaccination campaign, demonstrating the strength of its public health leadership. The country is taking important steps to contain the outbreak by prioritizing vulnerable populations, including those in need. Africa CDC continues to work closely with the DRC to ensure vaccines reach those who need them most. “We will also work to strengthen health systems to prevent future outbreaks. Our first priority is to ensure safe and effective vaccines for children in the next phase of vaccination.” said Dr. Jean Kaseya, Africa CDC Executive Director.
Mpox continues to pose a serious threat, especially to vulnerable groups such as children, individuals with compromised immune systems, and people living in areas with limited health care access. The Continental Incident Management Support Team (IMST) is supporting response efforts in the DRC by providing technical expertise, coordinating vaccine deployment, and providing logistical support to ensure effective distribution across affected areas. We have been proactive in providing support.
Africa CDC also recognizes the important role of infection prevention and control measures, community engagement, and public awareness campaigns in controlling the spread of Mpox. Along with vaccination, these efforts are essential to protect the population and minimize the impact of the outbreak.
As part of our efforts to combat Mpox, Africa CDC will continue to support the response in the DRC and all 16 other affected countries through technical assistance, capacity building, and coordination with international partners. Vaccination campaigns serve as a critical tool in protecting public health, and Africa CDC is committed to further collaborative efforts to protect communities and strengthen Africa’s resilience to future public health threats. I’m looking forward to it.
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About Africa CDC
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is the continental autonomous public health agency of the African Union, supporting member states in their efforts to strengthen health systems and improve surveillance, emergency response, and disease prevention and control. .
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Media contact:
Margaret Edwin | Director of Communications and Public Relations | EdwinM@africadc.org
