Nigeria has received a significant boost in its fight against the mpox outbreak with the arrival of 10,000 vaccine doses donated by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This shipment, which arrived in Abuja on August 27, 2024, comes amid a sharp rise in mpox cases across Africa, with Nigeria reporting over 40 confirmed and 830 suspected cases in 13 states.

The donation is part of a broader effort by the U.S. to support African nations in combating the spread of mpox, a zoonotic disease that has seen a resurgence in recent months. U.S. Ambassador Richard Mills emphasized the importance of this timely donation, noting that Nigeria’s government has developed a comprehensive vaccination plan to ensure the effective use of the vaccines.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a rare viral disease transmitted from animals to humans. The World Health Organization recently declared it a global health threat, prompting international efforts to curb its spread. The 10,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine will be prioritized for states with the highest number of cases, particularly in the southern regions of Nigeria.

Nigeria’s primary health care director, Muyi Aina, stated that health authorities would work closely with state governments to develop specific plans for vaccine deployment. Despite the urgency, vaccine hesitancy remains a challenge, with efforts underway to educate the public on the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.

As the mpox outbreak continues to affect Central and West Africa, international partners are stepping up their support. Germany has also pledged to donate 100,000 vaccine doses to East Africa, where countries like Burundi and Kenya have been hardest hit.