Health officials in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) launched the country's first-ever mpox vaccination campaign this weekend, marking a critical move to combat a virus that has surged across Africa this year. The campaign kicked off with a ceremony at a hospital in Goma, where frontline healthcare workers were among the first to receive doses. 🏥
Why it matters: Over 30,000 suspected and confirmed mpox cases have been reported in the DRC since January 2024, with 990 deaths—accounting for 90% of Africa's cases. The WHO declared the outbreak an international emergency in August after a new variant emerged. 🔥
Vaccine equity gap: While mpox vaccines were widely available in Europe and the U.S. during the 2022 global outbreak, African nations had zero access until now. The DRC currently has 265,000 doses, with more en route. Dr. Matshidiso Moeti of the WHO called the campaign a 'crucial step' to curb the virus. 💬
Challenges ahead: Limited resources mean the vaccination drive will start small. Mpox, which spreads through close contact, causes flu-like symptoms and skin lesions. While often mild, it can be fatal. Health experts warn that global collaboration is key to stopping its spread. 🌐
