DR Congo Launches Mpox Vaccination Campaign Early

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is set to launch its mpox vaccination campaign on October 2, 2024, ahead of the previously scheduled date, as the country faces a severe outbreak declared a global public health emergency by the WHO. The outbreak has seen over 19,000 suspected cases and 650 deaths this year, with children accounting for 62% of patients. Despite receiving 265,000 vaccine doses from international donors, including the U.S. and EU, logistical challenges and poor infrastructure hinder distribution to the hardest-hit areas such as South Kivu. Healthcare workers are urgently requesting vaccines as they deal with overwhelming patient loads and severe shortages of medical supplies. Conditions in hospitals are dire, with patients sharing beds and inadequate access to clean water and PPE. While officials remain hopeful that vaccination efforts will proceed smoothly, ongoing conflict complicates logistics.