Kenya has taken a vital step in its fight against the growing mpox outbreak with the arrival of 10,700 doses of the vaccine, marking the country’s first shipment of immunizations against the virus. This development signals a new phase in the national response to an escalating public health concern, with confirmed cases rising across several counties in recent months.
The vaccine, developed by Bavarian Nordic and known as MVA-BN, was delivered through a partnership involving the Government of Kenya, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale welcomed the delivery, highlighting the vaccine’s role as part of a multifaceted strategy to contain and eventually stop the spread of mpox within Kenya’s borders.
Duale underscored that vaccination is one of the most effective interventions in public health, particularly in managing infectious disease outbreaks. According to him, the MVA-BN vaccine is expected to provide up to 82 percent protection after the recommended two-dose regimen. However, he was quick to point out that the vaccine is not a standalone solution. It will be deployed alongside other key measures, such as intensified surveillance, rigorous contact tracing, expanded testing capacity, and comprehensive community education campaigns.
The Ministry of Health has prioritized high-risk populations for the initial phase of the vaccine rollout. These include healthcare workers who are at the frontline of the outbreak response, individuals who have had close contact with confirmed mpox patients, long-distance truck drivers who may facilitate the spread across regions, and sex workers who are considered vulnerable due to the nature of their work. The decision to begin with these groups is rooted in the goal of containing the virus swiftly and protecting those most at risk of exposure.
Kenya has witnessed a notable uptick in mpox cases since late 2024, with infections doubling since December 31. As of now, 67 cases have been confirmed across 13 counties, including Busia, Mombasa, and Nakuru. In response, health officials have stepped up screening protocols at the country’s borders, checking more than four million travelers at 26 entry points. Of the reported cases, 49 individuals have recovered, indicating a positive trend but also reinforcing the need for sustained vigilance.
The Ministry of Health has issued a strong call for public cooperation in following preventive measures. These include avoiding close contact with suspected or confirmed cases, maintaining good personal hygiene, and relying on verified health information to prevent the spread of misinformation, especially on social media platforms. Officials are also encouraging citizens to consult qualified healthcare professionals for guidance and updates regarding mpox.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral illness that transmits mainly through direct contact but can also spread via contaminated surfaces or materials. It causes symptoms resembling the flu, including fever, headaches, muscle pain, and fatigue, followed by a distinctive rash that often appears on the face, limbs, and other sensitive areas. While many cases resolve without complications, the virus can cause severe illness, especially in vulnerable populations.
Health experts continue to monitor the evolution of the virus, particularly due to a new mutation called APOBEC3, which was detected in clade Ib variants as of September 2023. This genetic shift could potentially make the virus more transmissible among humans, a prospect that has heightened concerns among global health bodies.
As Kenya embarks on this crucial phase of vaccination, authorities remain optimistic that the combined approach of immunization and community-level interventions will help curb the spread and impact of mpox across the nation.
