Nigeria has become the first African country to receive a batch of mpox vaccines, securing 10,000 doses from the United States amid the ongoing outbreak of the disease formerly known as monkeypox. This delivery marks a critical step in combating the virus, which has hit Africa the hardest in recent months.
The Nigerian government began efforts to obtain the vaccines before the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global health emergency earlier this month. While Nigeria has confirmed 40 cases of mpox this year, health authorities estimate the true number could exceed 700. So far, no deaths have been reported in the country.
The vaccine, produced by Danish pharmaceutical company Bavarian Nordic, will be prioritized for health workers and at-risk communities in the 13 affected states. Despite the urgency, there are still no mpox-specific vaccines; however, smallpox vaccines have proven effective against the disease.
Africa’s response to the outbreak has faced criticism for its slow pace, with many calling for quicker action from international agencies. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 10 million doses are needed across the continent, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) being the most in need. The DRC has reported over 18,000 suspected cases and 615 deaths this year.
The WHO has not yet officially approved the available vaccines, citing insufficient data, a delay that has drawn criticism from public health experts. The WHO is expected to grant emergency licenses for mpox vaccines in September, a process some argue should have begun much earlier.
The US has also pledged 50,000 doses to the DRC, though a delivery date has not been confirmed. US Ambassador Richard Mills praised Nigeria for its proactive approach in responding to the outbreak, during a press conference in Abuja marking the vaccine’s arrival.
While the first vaccines have reached Africa, the delay in their delivery highlights the need for greater global cooperation in addressing health emergencies. Public health officials have urged wealthy nations with vaccine stockpiles to contribute more to global efforts.
