Nigeria recently received 11,200 doses of the Mpox vaccine through Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, with contributions from the United States. Mpox, also known as Monkeypox, is a rare infectious disease caused by the Mpox virus, part of the orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes cowpox, camelpox, and smallpox viruses.
Transmission occurs through direct contact with an infected individual, including touching, shaking hands, or exposure to respiratory secretions like saliva or mucus. Gavi has confirmed the vaccine’s delivery to Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Four months earlier, the country became the first to receive 10,000 doses of the vaccine through a U.S. government donation. In September, a month after the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) declaration, Gavi used its first response budget to procure 500,000 doses of the MVA-BN vaccine.
This donation contributes to the global efforts in combating the Mpox outbreak, with an estimated six million vaccine doses from various sources expected to be ready by year-end. Sania Nishtar, Gavi’s CEO, expressed appreciation for the U.S. government’s support.
By 2025, Rwanda will receive 19,600 doses, while 273,000 doses have been allocated for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). An additional 695,020 doses will be distributed through the Access and Allocation Mechanism (AAM) once recipient countries are prepared.
The Mpox vaccine donation is part of a broader initiative addressing the ongoing outbreak, which remains classified as a PHEIC. Gavi has created a first response fund to support vaccine delivery costs. The U.S. government has pledged to supply over one million Mpox vaccines to affected international communities, emphasising the importance of global coordination in tackling the outbreak.
Dawn O’Connell, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), highlighted the U.S. commitment, noting that viruses transcend borders and require both international and domestic collaboration.
Gavi has also extended emergency funding to countries heavily impacted by the outbreak. The DRC received $2.7 million, while Rwanda was provided $1.5 million to support vaccine rollout efforts. In November, the AAM delivered 899,000 doses to nine African nations, including Nigeria, significantly affected by the outbreak.
These efforts reflect the collaborative global response to Mpox, with Gavi coordinating donations from the U.S. and Bavarian Nordic. Emergency funding has further strengthened vaccine distribution and related logistics. This initiative underscores the critical need for preparedness and rapid response to public health emergencies like Mpox.
What This Means For Nigeria
Gavi’s provision of Mpox vaccines to Nigeria is expected to significantly bolster the nation’s efforts to manage the ongoing outbreak. This contribution will play a vital role in curbing the disease’s spread.
The vaccines will be distributed to those who need them most, ensuring a rapid and fair allocation across the continent. This strategic approach aims to build a strong response not only in Nigeria but also in other affected countries.
In summary, Gavi’s donation represents a pivotal step in safeguarding vulnerable populations in Nigeria and limiting further transmission of the disease. As the global community continues its efforts to tackle the outbreak, initiatives like this are essential for guaranteeing equitable access to life-saving vaccines.
