Congo Faces Vaccine Shortage Amid Rising Mpox Cases, Delaying Vaccination Campaign In Kinshasa

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has struggled to initiate an mpox vaccination campaign in its capital, Kinshasa, due to a shortage of vaccine doses, according to Cris Kacita, head of operations for the country’s mpox control program. Despite efforts to contain the outbreak, cases continue to rise across the country, particularly among children, placing greater urgency on the need for vaccinations.

Mpox, declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in August, has spread rapidly from DRC to neighboring nations, fueled by a new strain of the virus. However, international pledges for funding and vaccines have been slow to materialise, creating delays in vaccine deployment. According to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), these delays hinder the continent’s ability to manage the virus effectively.

As of now, DRC has only 53,921 doses reserved primarily for high-risk populations in prisons, where crowded and unsanitary conditions elevate infection risks. Yet, to launch a comprehensive vaccination campaign in Kinshasa, an estimated 162,000 doses are required.

On Wednesday, Daphne Von Buxhoeveden from the EU’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority announced that 100,000 doses of the mpox vaccine are expected to arrive from Germany by Thursday, offering a glimmer of hope for DRC’s response efforts. Additionally, a spokesperson from Bavarian Nordic, which produces the mpox vaccine Jynneos, reported that 265,000 doses had already been delivered to African nations, with another 1 million doses available for shipment.

“We are simply waiting for Africa to ask or say where they should be sent. When some people don’t get vaccinated, it can be due to many different reasons. But one thing it’s definitely not due to is a lack of vaccines,” the spokesperson explained, emphasising that logistical and administrative delays, rather than supply shortages, are currently impacting vaccine distribution.

DRC’s administrative hurdles, including official requests, manufacturing lead times, documentation, and import authorisations, have further delayed the arrival of vaccines. “As long as we don’t have the necessary quantity, it’s going to be complicated to launch vaccination in the 14 health zones of Kinshasa,” Kacita said.

Although Kinshasa, which hosts nearly 20 million inhabitants has been less affected by mpox than other regions, targeted vaccination programs have already commenced in six other provinces.

However, the virus’s spread among children has raised concern, with suspected cases in those under 18 surging by over 130% since mid-August, reaching 25,600 from 11,300, as of Nov. 3, according to data from Save the Children.

Katia Vieira de Moraes LaCasse, a representative from Save the Children, stressed the importance of targeted vaccination for children, who are more vulnerable due to weaker immune systems and a lack of understanding about health guidelines. “Children are especially vulnerable to mpox—they explore by touch and taste and don’t always understand health guidance,” she noted.

In light of the mounting need for vaccines, Russia’s consumer and health watchdog announced that several African and ex-Soviet nations have shown interest in acquiring its mpox and smallpox vaccine, Orthopoxvac, as they work to control outbreaks within their borders.

Melissa Enoch

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