The Mpox vaccination campaign begins today, November 18, 2024, in seven states across Nigeria, focusing on health workers and contacts of confirmed cases, according to Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).
As of October 27, 2024, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported 1,442 suspected Mpox cases nationwide, with 118 confirmed cases across 28 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The vaccination rollout initially targets Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Benue, and the FCT. Bayelsa and Rivers States will commence the exercise first. Dr. Aina explained that health workers in facilities diagnosing and treating Mpox cases will be prioritized, along with close contacts of confirmed cases.
“Though we’ve had just over 100 confirmed cases in Nigeria, health workers and immediate contacts are eligible for vaccination to prevent further spread. We’re deploying vaccines judiciously while preparing for a potential upsurge,” Aina said.
The NPHCDA estimates an average of 631 individuals will receive the two-dose Mpox vaccine across the targeted states, with an additional buffer of 50 doses retained at the national level for emergencies.
Support for the vaccination effort includes a donation of 10,000 doses from the United States government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in August 2024.
In a related development, the NPHCDA has announced that the malaria vaccination campaign will begin on November 25, 2024, signaling another significant step in addressing public health challenges in Nigeria.
