The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has announced that the country will receive 10,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine for mpox control in September.
However, the Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, noted that this amount is insufficient for a population of over 200 million people.
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency will prioritize distribution to vulnerable populations and high-risk groups, including those with underlying conditions and immunocompromised individuals.
Dr. Idris emphasized the need for state-level responses, having met with state health commissioners to establish emergency preparedness committees. He also highlighted the NCDC’s ongoing actions, including enhancing laboratory services and public awareness campaigns.
The vaccine’s efficacy is still under review, and its use has been approved under emergency conditions by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
Experts have warned that people living with HIV are at higher risk of severe mpox infection due to their compromised immunity. The NCDC has reported 40 confirmed cases out of 830 suspected cases, with no deaths recorded.
An Emergency Operations Centre and an Incident Management System have been established since mpox was declared a public health emergency of international concern. Nigeria will also receive some doses of the mpox vaccine through a donation from the United States Government.
