Nigeria has become the first country in Africa to receive mpox vaccines, as announced by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The delivery of 10,000 doses of the Jynneos (MVA) vaccine represents a major advancement in combating the new strain of mpox virus outside of clinical trials.
The vaccines will be distributed to five states in Nigeria where mpox cases have been most frequently reported. They will be administered to 5,000 individuals at highest risk, including close contacts of confirmed cases and frontline healthcare workers, in a two-dose schedule.
Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Muhammad Ali Pate, expressed appreciation for the initial vaccine donation and highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance surveillance and control measures.
The vaccine donation, facilitated by the U.S. government, is a testament to international cooperation in addressing global health challenges. WHO is working with partners such as UNICEF to improve vaccine access and manage donations.
In addition, WHO’s Africa office is supporting Nigeria in strengthening surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory capacity, and community engagement. As of August 10, Nigeria had reported 786 suspected cases and 39 confirmed cases of mpox.
This delivery is a significant step towards preventing the spread of mpox and improving public health responses in Africa.