Nigeria gets first batch of Mpox vaccines

Nigeria is expecting to receive 10,000 mpox vaccine doses in September 2024 to help control the spread of the disease.

Nigeria has confirmed 40 cases of the disease.

The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr Jide Idris noted that the doses would be insufficient for a country with a population exceeding 200 million people.

But Idris explained in an interview with the PUNCH that the doses would be prioritised and distributed by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency to only vulnerable populations and high-risk groups.

“We don’t know exactly when the vaccine will arrive in Nigeria, but I think it may be next month (September). The NCDC doesn’t handle vaccines; it is the NPHCDA that manages vaccines, “They are responsible for the distribution. We collaborate with them on the distribution pattern and the prioritisation of the vaccine,” he said.

He also mentioned that the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention was expecting approximately 10 million doses of the vaccine and might allocate two million doses to Nigeria if a request was made.

“I have discussed with the DG of NPHCDA about making that request. However, I’m not suggesting that the Africa CDC currently has the two million doses, as they are also applying for 10 million doses,” Idris noted.

He emphasised that the vaccine was intended for emergency use only and maintained that the 10,000 doses would not be sufficient for Nigeria’s needs given its population.

“Whatever is brought will not cover everyone. The NPHCDA will need to prioritise based on those most at risk.

“Priority will be given to those who are immunocompromised or have underlying conditions that make them more susceptible to mpox. The vaccine will be allocated to those who have not previously had mpox. We will focus on vulnerable populations and regions currently experiencing high rates of the disease,” he said.

He also added that the vaccine’s efficacy is still under review.

“The vaccine is for emergency use only. We don’t have extensive data on its effectiveness as it is still undergoing testing. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has approved its use under emergency conditions. However, controlling the spread of mpox also depends on preventing contact with infected individuals.”

Regarding state-level responses, Dr Idris mentioned that he has met with state health commissioners to establish emergency preparedness committees in each state.

“All states must be prepared. We will support them, but they are responsible for setting up their emergency response teams and action plans,” he said.

Meanwhile, the NCDC reported on Friday that Nigeria had recorded a total of 40 confirmed cases of mpox out of 830 suspected cases across the country.

Idris provided this update at a joint NCDC/World Health Organisation national mpox briefing with stakeholders and partners in Abuja.

He also mentioned that Nigeria would be receiving some doses of the mpox vaccine through a donation from the United States Government.

Idris noted that an Emergency Operations Centre and an Incident Management System had been established since mpox was declared a public health emergency of international concern.

“Currently, we have 40 confirmed cases out of 830 suspected cases. We have no deaths at all, which is remarkable,” he said.

He outlined the NCDC’s ongoing actions, including meeting with state governments and health commissioners to ensure the establishment of emergency preparedness and response teams.

“We have been coordinating with states to strengthen their response capabilities and action plans,” he added.

The NCDC is focusing on enhancing laboratory services, with genomic sequencing confirming cases in Abuja and Lagos.

Plans are underway to expand testing capabilities, including incorporating the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and the African Centre for Genomics.

“We need to increase laboratory capabilities, particularly in the South-South and South-East regions,” Idris said.

He also highlighted the need for improved public awareness about mpox, including its symptoms and preventive measures.

“We are intensifying efforts to educate the public. There are some states where we have not yet collected data. Investigators will address these gaps,” he added.

PLHIV at higher risk, experts warn

In a related development, experts have warned that people living with HIV were at higher risk of severe mpox infection due to their compromised immunity.

Mpox, a rare viral zoonotic disease endemic to several African countries, can also occur in and around the genitals, making sexual contact another mode of transmission.

Head of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Prof Salim Karim, highlighted the increasing number of Clade I cases compared to 2022.

“We are facing a different scenario with a higher burden of illness,” he said.

Also speaking, a Medical Virologist and Immunologist at Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, Dr Oladipo Kolawole, stated, “People living with HIV, especially those with untreated or poorly controlled HIV, are more susceptible to severe mpox due to their weakened immune systems.”

Source: Punch