Kenya is preparing for the rollout of the Mpox vaccine, but the Ministry of Health (MoH) has clarified that vaccination will not be mandatory. Instead, the campaign will focus on high-risk populations as part of a targeted strategy to contain the spread of the virus.
In a media briefing on Wednesday, Rosalia Kalani, the National Surveillance Officer at the Ministry of Health, highlighted that while the vaccine is not compulsory, it is an essential part of a broader public health response aimed at protecting vulnerable individuals. Kalani emphasized that the campaign’s focus is on those most at risk, including truck drivers and individuals with multiple sexual partners, who are more likely to contract and spread the virus.
“This is not a mass vaccination campaign or the introduction of a new vaccine,” Kalani said. “It is a targeted outbreak response aimed at protecting those at the highest risk.”
Phased Rollout Plan
The vaccination program will be carried out in three phases, with each phase tailored to address specific risk factors and guided by up-to-date epidemiological data. The first phase will target individuals who have been in close contact with confirmed Mpox cases within the past two to four weeks. Healthcare workers in areas with active cases, as well as individuals who may have been exposed to bodily fluids or physical contact with infected persons, will also be prioritized.
In the second phase, the focus will expand to individuals with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems, who are at higher risk of severe complications from Mpox infection. The third phase, which is contingent on the availability of vaccines, will involve vaccinating the broader population, as recommended by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE).
The Ministry of Health has also identified other at-risk groups, including household members, family members, classmates, coworkers, and sexual partners of individuals showing symptoms of the virus.
Targeting Vulnerable Communities
The first phase of the vaccination campaign will prioritize small, vulnerable communities, with a focus on those most at risk. Kalani explained that data from ongoing surveillance efforts will help guide the program’s expansion. Kenya’s role as a major transport hub has placed truck drivers and their families at significant risk, particularly given the high number of cases among this group.
Truck drivers, one of the groups most affected by Mpox, have expressed concerns over the stigma associated with the disease. They worry about the potential loss of their jobs if they are quarantined after exposure. Kalani reassured the public that the vaccination effort would be a collaborative one, aimed at addressing the outbreak effectively.
Current Status of Mpox in Kenya
Kenya has already reported multiple Mpox cases across various age groups, with truck drivers being disproportionately affected. As of the latest reports, the country has recorded 36 confirmed cases of Mpox, including one fatality—a 42-year-old truck driver from Bungoma County who had underlying health conditions. Additionally, 32 individuals have recovered, and two cases remain under surveillance.
Symptoms of Mpox include fever, body weakness, rashes, sore throat, genital lesions, headaches, muscle pain, joint pain, dry cough, swollen lymph nodes, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Transmission of the virus in Kenya has largely occurred through sexual contact, and it has affected a range of individuals, including businesspeople, female sex workers, housewives, students, and children.
Men account for 40% of the cases, while women account for 60%. Notably, Mpox cases have also been reported among children and secondary school students.
Preventive Measures and Public Awareness
The Ministry of Health continues to encourage Kenyans to adhere to preventive measures, such as maintaining personal hygiene, practicing faithfulness in relationships, or abstaining from sexual activity, in order to reduce the risk of transmission. These measures are particularly important as the primary mode of Mpox transmission in Kenya remains sexual contact.
In summary, while the Mpox vaccine will not be mandatory in Kenya, its targeted rollout will focus on those most vulnerable to infection. By prioritizing high-risk groups and using data to guide the campaign, the Ministry of Health aims to curb the spread of the virus and protect public health.
