DR Congo Begins Mpox Vaccination Drive Amid Ongoing Outbreak

The vaccination campaign in Goma marks a crucial step in addressing the epidemic that has resulted in over 30,000 cases and nearly 1,000 deaths in the DRC this year.

The Democratic Republic of Congo launched its first mpox vaccination campaign in the city of Goma, targeting healthcare workers and at-risk populations.
The country has received 265,000 vaccine doses from the United States and European Union, with millions more promised from France, Japan, and the US.
Mpox, also known as monkeypox, has caused 988 deaths in the DRC this year, with 70% of fatalities occurring in children under five.
The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a public health emergency, as the virus spreads across 16 African countries.
Efforts to control the outbreak are hampered by limited vaccine doses, with current supplies only approved for adult use, while doses for children are expected soon from Japan.