Africa CDC Commends Japan and DRC for Mpox Vaccine Donation Agreement

By Adebowale Bello. Freelance Health Writer.

Friday, September 20, 2024. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has praised the governments of Japan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for reaching a vital agreement on the donation of Lc16 Mpox vaccines and specialized inoculation needles. The formal signing ceremony held in Kinshasa marks a significant step forward in addressing the growing Mpox outbreak in the region.

This timely donation comes as the DRC battles a surge in Mpox cases, with the outbreak intensifying since November 2023. The Lc16 vaccine which is the only Mpox shot currently approved for children provides a much needed boost to the country’s response efforts.

Mpox, which has been endemic in several African nations for decades, was declared a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS)  by the Africa CDC on 13 August 2024. This declaration has facilitated a more organized and collaborative international response to the crisis. Vaccination forms a key part of the overall strategy which also includes enhanced surveillance, case detection, clinical care, infection prevention, risk communication and community engagement. However, Africa's efforts to control the outbreak face severe challenges, especially limited access to critical tools like vaccines and diagnostics.

The current Mpox outbreak has disproportionately affected vulnerable groups with 60% of cases occurring in children and the most severe outcomes seen in people living with HIV/AIDS. In light of these challenges, Africa CDC has urged a united and coordinated international response.

Expressing gratitude for Japan’s critical support, Africa CDC Director General H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya remarked:

“We are sincerely grateful to Japan for its generous donation of Lc16 Mpox vaccines and specialized needles to the DRC. This assistance comes at a critical time and will significantly strengthen our ongoing efforts to curb the outbreak. I am confident that this partnership will reduce the public health threat posed by Mpox, not only in the DRC but across the African continent.”

Takeshi Akahori, Japan's Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, added:

“We recognize the rising number of Mpox cases in the DRC and other countries, and we are working closely with the WHO to monitor the situation. We hope that these vaccines and needles will have a meaningful impact on the fight against Mpox.”

Japan remains committed to supporting the DRC in combating this public health threat, collaborating with Africa CDC, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other global health partners to mitigate the spread of the disease.

Source: Africa CDC

Related: WHO Allocates $1m to Strengthen Global Mpox Response

Published: September 20, 2024

© 2024. Datelinehealth Africa Inc. All rights reserved.

Permission is given to copy, use and share content for non-commercial purposes without alteration or modification and subject to source attribution.