Mpox outbreak: Vaccine shortage delays drive amid spread (image ET Health world)
(The Post News)- The vaccination campaign for monkeypox (mpox) in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has stalled due to a reported shortage of the required doses.Â
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According to a World Health Organization proclamation, mpox has become a worldwide health emergency that is rapidly spreading among Congolese people and gradually making its way to neighboring countries. While the number of infections shows an increase, a higher number in cases involving children have shown a harrowing increase of over 130% since August, as children have been reported to be more weaker and likely to die from the new strain of mpox compared to adults.
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In a statement by Katia Vieira de Maraes LaCasse from Charity Save, the children said a number of vaccinations were needed to stop the virus spreading rapidly. “Children are especially vulnerable to mpox; their curiosity leads them to explore by touch and taste, and they are unaware of any health guidance than fully mature adults who are more conscious,” she said.
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Cris Kacita, the head of operations for Congo’s mpox control program, said that the program left a total of 53,921 doses of vaccine left for use in prison facilities where people pose a high risk of infection due to overpopulation conditions. Kacita also revealed that over 162,000 doses of vaccine are required within the capital to officially launch a vaccination program.
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Unfortunately, some donations, whether monetary or vaccines, have been delayed to arrive; this is consistent with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Unfortunately, some donations, whether monetary or vaccines, have been delayed to arrive; this is consistent with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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According to reports, a total of 100,000 doses of vaccine have been donated by France, along with shipments from Germany and the African Union. However, it is not known when they are due to arrive. The head of operations also said that administrative processes have been a cause of the delay in the arrival of vaccines.
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