The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is set to receive a substantial shipment of 200,000 mpox vaccine doses from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, marking a critical step in the country’s response to the ongoing outbreak. This delivery is one of the largest contributions to combat the severe mpox crisis that has ravaged the nation. The outbreak has been classified as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), and as of mid-April 2025, over 20,000 cases have been recorded, along with 49 deaths.
These new vaccine doses will be directed to the areas most affected by the epidemic, with a focus on populations that are at higher risk due to regional displacements caused by ongoing security challenges. The arrival of this vaccine supply is a crucial addition to the country’s vaccination campaign, which has already seen more than half a million doses administered since October 2024. This includes over 950,000 doses received from various sources, including the latest batch from Gavi.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Samuel Roger Kamba, underscored the significance of the vaccine delivery, emphasizing not only its symbolic importance but also its role in mobilizing efforts to protect vulnerable communities and safeguard global health. The focus of the vaccination efforts will be on those areas most heavily impacted by the epidemic, especially regions experiencing large-scale displacement of populations.
Mpox, a disease previously associated with a smaller number of cases in Central and West Africa, has surged in severity with the emergence of Clade Ib, a particularly virulent strain. This new wave of infections has spurred a global response from organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). In addition to the 200,000 doses being sent to the DRC, these international agencies have worked together to distribute more than 647,000 vaccine doses to other African nations severely impacted by the outbreak.
Gavi’s timely intervention, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the importance of robust pandemic preparedness systems. In the years since the pandemic, Gavi has used its First Response Fund to rapidly deploy resources to countries in need. This fund has been instrumental in facilitating swift responses to emerging infectious diseases like mpox.
Dr. Derrick Sim, Managing Director of Vaccine Markets and Health Security at Gavi, stressed the importance of anticipating and responding to emerging health threats. He noted that the rise of mpox Clade Ib serves as a warning of the need for proactive measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases globally. He emphasized that investment in early response strategies and prevention efforts is essential to mitigate the impact of future epidemics.
Looking ahead, Gavi has set its sights on creating a global stockpile of mpox vaccines by 2030. This ambitious goal mirrors the organization’s successful management of stockpiles for diseases like cholera, Ebola, meningitis, and yellow fever. However, achieving this goal will require securing at least US$9 billion (approximately Sh1.1 trillion) in funding during its upcoming strategic period. This financial support is critical to ensuring that the world is prepared for future outbreaks of mpox and other infectious diseases, safeguarding public health on a global scale.
The ongoing effort to contain and manage the mpox outbreak in the DRC and other affected countries highlights the importance of global cooperation in addressing health emergencies. With sustained investment and a coordinated response, the international community can help reduce the impact of this devastating disease and prevent further outbreaks in the future.
