Kenya is among nine African nations allocated MPOX vaccine doses in response to a surge in infections across the continent. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health partners have provided 899,000 doses through the Access and Allocation Mechanism (AAM) for MPOX. This allocation reflects a strategic collaboration between African nations, WHO, and various donors to curb the outbreaks and protect affected populations.
The AAM, supported by Africa CDC, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi (the Vaccine Alliance), UNICEF, and WHO, designed the distribution based on each country’s epidemiological data and readiness. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the continent’s epicenter for the outbreak, will receive 85% of the initial doses, given its disproportionate case load, with four out of every five confirmed cases originating there. Other recipient countries include the Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda.
The MPOX surge has had a significant impact across the continent, with 19 African countries reporting cases this year. WHO declared the current viral strain, Clade Ib, a public health emergency of international concern, while Africa CDC also recognized it as a continental security emergency in August. The DRC’s record shows over 38,000 suspected MPOX cases and more than 1,000 fatalities this year, making it a critical focal point in efforts to mitigate the disease’s spread.
In Kenya, 13 cases of MPOX have been confirmed across 10 counties, including Nakuru, Kajiado, Bungoma, Taita Taveta, Busia, Nairobi, Mombasa, Makueni, Kericho, and Kilifi. Tragically, one fatality was recorded. These localized outbreaks underscore the urgent need for vaccines and enhanced public health interventions. As WHO’s regional data indicates, MPOX has rapidly spread, with over 7,500 confirmed cases across 16 African nations, leading to 32 fatalities as of last month.
The current response strategy incorporates vaccination with the MVA-BN vaccine, comprehensive testing, diagnosis, effective clinical care, infection prevention, and community engagement. WHO has begun initial vaccinations in the DRC and Rwanda, marking the beginning of a broader vaccine deployment effort across the nine African nations. A three-phased strategy has been introduced to manage the spread and safeguard public health: the first phase targets outbreak suppression, followed by expanded protection, and then building population immunity for long-term resilience.
This phased approach intends to vaccinate approximately 1.4 million high-risk individuals by the end of 2024, with 2.8 million doses allocated for the first phase. Resources from Canada, Gavi, the EU, and the United States have supported these efforts, with over 5.85 million doses expected for AAM distribution by the end of 2024.
The MPOX virus, previously known as monkeypox, presents with symptoms that include painful rashes, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes, and typically spreads through direct contact with an infected person. Infection can also occur through exposure to contaminated materials such as bedding, clothing, or needles. Additionally, the virus may spread from animals during hunting or cooking, and pregnant individuals can pass it to their unborn children.
Kenya’s involvement in this coordinated vaccination effort marks an essential step toward controlling MPOX in Africa. The collaboration highlights the urgency and necessity of global support in responding to infectious diseases, particularly within regions lacking robust healthcare infrastructures. However, the rollout remains a challenge, given the need for additional resources, training, and infrastructure to manage such an expansive vaccination program.
As vaccination efforts scale up, health authorities underscore the importance of community awareness and timely access to care. By the end of the year, further vaccine allocations are expected, enhancing protection against MPOX and empowering affected countries to mitigate the disease’s impact.
