December Launch: Kenya to Begin Mpox Vaccinations for High-Risk Groups
In a bid to curb the spread of a new mpox strain affecting multiple African countries, Kenya’s Ministry of Health has announced that it will begin vaccinations for high-risk populations in December 2024. The vaccines, expected to arrive soon, will be supplied by the Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC).
Kenya will join the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Nigeria as the fourth African nation to vaccinate against mpox, with a targeted focus on high-risk groups. “We are expecting to receive the vaccines by the end of the year,” shared Dr. Sultani Matendechero, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Health. “We are working to submit requests to the Africa CDC so that we can deploy them to those at risk.”
The Africa CDC, holding only 5.6 million doses of the mpox vaccine, has emphasized the urgency of regional vaccination efforts due to the recent spike in cases across Africa. A representative noted, “We are mobilizing member states to achieve the goal of vaccinating all vulnerable groups across Africa.”
Alongside coordinating with the Africa CDC, Kenya is exploring additional vaccine sources to ensure ample coverage. Dr. Matendechero confirmed that the Ministry is actively considering alternative procurement methods to supplement the expected CDC supply.
In tandem with the vaccination plans, Kenya’s Ministry of Health has intensified monitoring and screening efforts, especially at border points. Over 1.5 million travelers are currently being screened across various entry locations. Mary Muthoni, Principal Secretary for Public Health, highlighted the need for continued vigilance, particularly in high-risk counties. “We are not out of the woods,” she cautioned. “We must remain vigilant, especially in high-risk counties such as Taita Taveta, Busia, and Mombasa, where we have deployed teams to ensure adequate monitoring.”
Since mid-October, Kenya has reported no new mpox cases following the first mpox-related fatality. The nation has recorded a total of 13 confirmed cases across several counties.
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December Launch: Kenya to Begin Mpox Vaccinations for High-Risk Groups
