Mpox Vaccine

The United States government on Tuesday donated 10,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine to Nigeria.

This vaccine, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is intended for the prevention of smallpox and mpox in adults aged 18 and older who are at risk of mpox infection.

During the official handover ceremony in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, expressed gratitude to the U.S. government for the donation.

He also emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of Nigerians.

Pate, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom, said, “This is a spirit of cooperation and collaboration through the years, and this vaccine will be of great help to us. The Federal Ministry of Health understands the importance of having a healthy nation, so all the policies that we implement and the collaborations are focused on ensuring our citizens’ health.

“The Minister emphasises that all health matters are important to him, and Nigeria is very fortunate to have such a dedicated Coordinating Minister and Dr Tunji Alausa as the Minister of State for Health. Together, we are transforming the health sector.

“Thank you for the 10,000 doses, and we look forward to receiving more. I also want to thank our development partners, USAID, PEPFAR, WHO, UNICEF, and all the UN organisations. Your collaboration is greatly appreciated, and this will significantly aid those in need.

“We all recognise the size of our population, and we must ensure that we address every disease, especially those that pose public health concerns. On this note, I would like to extend our gratitude.”

Mpox is a rare viral zoonotic disease, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans.

It occurs sporadically, mainly in remote villages of Central and West Africa near tropical rainforests.

The disease is caused by the mpox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus within the Poxviridae family.

The Orthopoxvirus genus also includes the variola virus (which causes smallpox), the vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox eradication vaccine), and the cowpox virus (used in earlier smallpox vaccines). Since the eradication of smallpox, the mpox virus has become the most significant Orthopoxvirus.

On August 13, 2024, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention declared mpox a public health emergency of continental concern, exercising its mandate to address major public health threats.

As of last Friday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported that Nigeria had confirmed 40 cases of mpox out of 830 suspected cases nationwide.

More details to follow…

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