The Nigerian government will commence Mpox vaccination today (Monday, November 18, 2024) in seven states across the country, as part of efforts to control the spread of the disease. The announcement was made exclusively to *The PUNCH* by Dr. Muyi Aina, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).
Dr. Aina explained that the vaccination campaign will focus on specific regions that have seen the highest number of suspected and confirmed Mpox cases. “The Mpox vaccination is scheduled to start on November 18, 2024, in about seven states, mostly in the South,” he said. “For the Mpox vaccine, we’re targeting health workers in facilities where Mpox cases are diagnosed and treated. When there are suspected cases, we refer them to these facilities, so the health workers there are getting vaccinated. But also contacts, immediate contacts of confirmed cases, will be vaccinated.”
As of October 27, 2024, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported 1,442 suspected cases of Mpox across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with 118 confirmed cases from 28 states and the FCT. Despite the relatively low number of confirmed cases, the government is acting swiftly to prevent a larger outbreak. “We’ve only had just over 100 cases in Nigeria, so it’s not that bad, but when there are people around them, when it’s confirmed, they are also eligible for the vaccine,” Aina added.
The states where the vaccination will initially take place include Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Benue, and the FCT. Dr. Aina emphasized that Bayelsa and Rivers states would be the first to begin the vaccination exercise, with other states following suit. “An average of 631 persons are expected to be vaccinated across the seven states with two doses of the Mpox vaccine,” Aina said, noting that a buffer of 50 doses would be kept at the national level to respond to any potential upsurge in other states.
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency is working to ensure that the vaccination campaign is carried out judiciously. “We’re getting a lot more vaccines, but we’re trying to be very judicious in our distribution,” Dr. Aina said. He also reassured Nigerians that the government is taking a comprehensive approach to managing the Mpox outbreak and preventing its spread.
The Mpox vaccine initiative follows a donation of 10,000 doses from the United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This donation, made in August 2024, is intended to support Nigeria’s efforts in combating the current Mpox outbreak. “The donation of vaccines from USAID is a significant contribution to our fight against Mpox, and we are grateful for the support,” Dr. Aina noted.
The Mpox vaccination campaign comes at a time when the country is also preparing for the roll-out of malaria vaccinations. Dr. Aina confirmed that the malaria vaccination program will begin on November 25, 2024, further highlighting the government’s commitment to improving public health across the country. “We will continue to focus on both Mpox and malaria, as these are two critical health issues affecting Nigerians,” he said.
Nigerians have been urged to stay informed about the vaccination schedule and to ensure they are vaccinated if they fall within the targeted groups. Health officials have also reassured the public that the vaccines have been thoroughly tested and are safe for use.
The NPHCDA and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control are working closely to monitor the situation and provide timely updates on the vaccination process and any further developments related to Mpox. With these proactive measures in place, the government hopes to minimize the spread of Mpox and protect vulnerable populations, especially health workers and those in direct contact with confirmed cases.
As the Mpox vaccination campaign kicks off, public health authorities are encouraging citizens to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols to prevent the further spread of the disease.
