The WHO has confirmed that over 50,000 people have been vaccinated against mpox in the DRC and Rwanda, amidst an outbreak that has resulted in over 1,100 deaths in Africa. More than 48,000 cases have been reported since January, prompting urgent calls for resources to manage the crisis and prevent a potentially more severe pandemic than COVID-19.
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that over 50,000 individuals have been vaccinated against mpox, previously known as monkeypox, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. This significant vaccination effort comes in the context of the ongoing mpox outbreak, which has claimed more than 1,100 lives in Africa and has seen approximately 48,000 cases documented since January. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, emphasized that the outbreak remains uncontrolled, as indicated by warnings from the African Union’s health agency, which has expressed concerns about a potential pandemic that could be more severe than COVID-19. The vaccination campaign in the DRC commenced last month, supported by donations from the United States and the European Commission. Dr. Ghebreyesus also mentioned that nearly 900,000 vaccine doses have been allocated this week to nine countries through a mechanism established by the WHO and its partners, marking the initial distribution of a projected six million doses expected by the end of 2024. Mpox, an infectious disease similar to smallpox, is characterized by fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a blistering rash, and can spread from animals to humans as well as between humans via close contact.
The mpox outbreak, which has primarily affected the DRC, poses a significant public health challenge, especially considering the disease’s potential severity compared to COVID-19. The DRC has experienced the majority of deaths from this outbreak, highlighting the urgency of vaccination efforts. The WHO’s role in facilitating vaccine distribution is critical in addressing the immediate health crisis and mitigating risks of further spread within and beyond the African continent. Vaccination campaigns are crucial not only for individual protection but also for community health and to prevent future pandemics.
In summary, the ongoing vaccination initiatives against mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda represent a proactive response to a serious health crisis. With over 50,000 vaccines administered and further allocations anticipated, public health organizations are striving to control the outbreak and avert a more severe pandemic. The prompt actions of international agencies and the support from various nations underscore the commitment to global health security.
Original Source: www.france24.com
