Nigeria Initiates Mpox Vaccination Campaign

Nigeria has officially launched its Mpox vaccination campaign, starting in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and extending to seven states: Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Benue, and the FCT. The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) aims to vaccinate an average of 631 individuals per state with two doses of the vaccine. The initiative targets frontline health workers and immunocompromised persons, especially in areas with confirmed cases. Currently, Nigeria has reported 1,442 suspected cases and 118 confirmed cases of Mpox. The vaccination rollout follows the receipt of 10,000 doses from the United States amidst the global public health emergency declared by the WHO. Health authorities emphasize the importance of preventive measures against the virus, including avoiding contact with potentially infected animals and practicing good hygiene.