In response to the Monkeypox outbreak affecting Nigeria, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has announced the rollout of Mpox vaccination, with Bayelsa and Rivers states being the initial focus due to their high case numbers and the presence of vulnerable populations. Following these two states, five additional regions are set to commence the vaccination exercise, illustrating a strategic approach to managing the spread of the virus in a phased and targeted manner. Public health authorities aim to protect affected communities and prevent further transmission through timely vaccination efforts.
On August 27, the U.S. government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), contributed to Nigeria’s response by donating 10,000 doses of the Mpox vaccine. This donation underscores international support for Nigeria’s public health initiatives amid the current outbreak. According to the NPHCDA’s assessment, the deployment of the vaccine is planned between October 3 and 6, 2024. This timeline allows for the completion of necessary regulatory steps by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), including sampling, traceability, and laboratory analysis after receipt of the vaccine.
While the planned vaccination campaign was initially scheduled to commence soon, it faced potential delays. The Director of Logistics and Health Commodities at the NPHCDA, Hauwa Tense, indicated on Monday that the agency had been engaging virtually with the implementing states to ensure readiness for the vaccination roll-out. An in-person engagement was also held from September 1 to 5, 2024, which served to orient key stakeholders and assess state-level preparedness to begin the vaccination drive. The effective execution of the initiative relies heavily on coordinated efforts among federal and state agencies.
The vaccination program is designed to target seven states, including Bayelsa and Rivers as the pioneers, alongside Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory. Each of the seven states is expected to see an average of 631 individuals vaccinated with two doses of the Jynneos Mpox vaccine. A buffer of 50 doses has been reserved at the national level to respond to any unforeseen surges in cases in other regions. This logistical plan emphasizes the importance of preparedness in public health responses to contagious disease outbreaks.
Data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) indicates that as of September 29, the country recorded 84 confirmed Mpox cases among 1,237 suspected cases across 57 local government areas in 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory. These figures illustrate the extent of the outbreak and the urgency for vaccination efforts to curb transmission. The NPHCDA’s vaccination strategy is rooted in real-time epidemiological data, focusing on areas with higher infection rates to achieve maximum impact and protect at-risk populations effectively.
Overall, the vaccination campaign against Mpox in Nigeria signifies an important public health intervention aimed at controlling the spread of the virus. Through carefully coordinated planning and the engagement of various stakeholders, the initiative seeks to enhance community protection and ultimately reduce the transmission of Mpox across the country. Continued surveillance and collaboration between local and international partners will be vital in ensuring the success of this vaccination effort as Nigeria navigates the challenges posed by the current outbreak.
