The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has announced the commencement of a Mpox vaccination exercise in response to the ongoing outbreak in Nigeria.
The initiative will begin in Bayelsa and Rivers states, with plans to expand to five additional states, focusing on protecting vulnerable populations amid rising case numbers.
In support of Nigeria’s response to the outbreak, the United States Agency for International Development has donated 10,000 doses of the Mpox vaccine.
The deployment of these vaccines is scheduled for October 3 to 6, 2024, with a tentative implementation date set for October 8, 2024.
A total of 9,980 doses of the Jynneos Mpox vaccine will be distributed evenly among the seven states participating in the initiative, with each state receiving approximately 1,996 doses.
This distribution aims to vaccinate an average of 631 individuals in each state, with a national buffer of 50 doses reserved for potential surges in cases.
As of September 29, Nigeria has reported 84 confirmed Mpox cases among 1,237 suspected cases across 57 local government areas in 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
However, there are indications that the vaccination exercise may be postponed due to ongoing discussions about readiness among the involved states.
