Congo gives nod to Mpox vaccines in bid to halt outbreak

In response to a surge in cases and a new, concerning strain of mpox, authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have given the green light for the use of two vaccines aimed at combating the outbreak.

Since the beginning of last year, the country has reported over 20,000 cases and more than 1,000 fatalities, primarily affecting children.

Mpox, a viral infection transmitted through close contact, causes symptoms like flu and pus-filled lesions, ranging from mild to severe and potentially fatal.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and scientists have sounded the alarm about a new, more lethal strain of mpox emerging in South Kivu province, Congo.

In response, the regulatory authority has granted emergency use authorization for two vaccines: Jynneos, manufactured by Bavarian Nordic, and LC16, produced by KM Biologics.

This marks a significant development for Congo, one of the world’s poorest countries, where mpox was first identified in 1970 but has never had access to vaccines or treatments beyond clinical trials.

The ongoing mpox outbreak in Congo faces multiple obstacles, including regulatory hurdles, inadequate funding, competing health crises, and social stigma.

The stigma surrounding mpox, which can spread through close contact, including sexual contact, has further complicated efforts to contain the outbreak. These challenges have hindered an effective response, exacerbating the situation.