DRC to Receive First Mpox Vaccine Shipments This Week

DRC to Receive First Mpox Vaccine Shipments This Week

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is set to receive its first Mpox vaccine shipments this week, providing hope amid a worsening outbreak in the eastern part of the country. According to health officials, the initial batch of vaccines is expected to arrive in Kinshasa on Thursday, with a second shipment scheduled for Saturday.

The Mpox outbreak, which has caused significant suffering in the region, is particularly severe in Kamituga, where patients are eagerly awaiting the vaccine. Richard Songa, a patient at a local clinic, described his condition as critical before he began to recover. “I was in a very dire state and had lost hope, but now I’m seeing improvement,” he said. Songa stressed the importance of the vaccine, noting that it could prevent future cases of the disease, which he described as life-threatening.

Dr. Fiston Nepa from the Alima clinic highlighted that most patients are adults, as the outbreak is associated with clade 1b, which spreads primarily through sexual contact. This form of transmission is more common among adults.

The DRC has been facing a severe Mpox crisis, with over 18,000 suspected cases and 629 deaths reported. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global emergency on August 14 in response to the outbreak. Mpox, a disease related to Smallpox, typically causes fever, headaches, and body aches, but can also lead to painful sores and blisters in severe cases.

The WHO plans to distribute approximately 230,000 vaccines to affected areas and is also working on educational campaigns to help prevent the spread of Mpox. The arrival of the vaccines brings renewed hope for controlling the outbreak and protecting the vulnerable populations in the region.