WHO to Distribute Mpox Vaccines to 9 African Countries Amid Growing Outbreak

WHO to Distribute Mpox Vaccines to 9 African Countries Amid Growing Outbreak

The World Health Organization (WHO) is set to allocate nearly 900,000 doses of the mpox vaccine to nine African nations most affected by the outbreak, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. The initiative aims to curb the ongoing spread of the disease.

Despite the WHO’s promise to distribute vaccines, the situation remains dire, especially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where the outbreak is most severe. While nearly 85% of the allocated vaccine doses are headed to the DRC, the country is already struggling with inadequate healthcare infrastructure and logistical challenges. Limited vaccination campaigns have already been carried out in some regions, yet cases continue to soar, with over 38,000 suspected infections and more than 1,000 deaths this year alone.

The reality on the ground presents a contradiction: while the WHO’s allocation plan is a step forward, it might not be enough to turn the tide. The DRC’s already overburdened health system, combined with the logistical hurdles of reaching remote areas, casts doubt on the efficiency of vaccine distribution. At the same time, wealthier nations, which have contributed millions of vaccine doses, continue to be less affected by the outbreak, highlighting the stark contrast in healthcare access between rich and poor countries.

As the world races to control the mpox outbreak in Africa, how do you think the global response can be improved? Will these vaccines reach those who need them most, or is there a deeper issue that needs to be addressed? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Source: Africa News