In a significant move to support Nigeria’s fight against the ongoing mpox outbreak, the U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has donated 10,000 doses of the mpox vaccine (formerly known as Monkeypox) to the Nigerian government. This contribution, announced on August 27, 2024, aims to bolster the country’s efforts to curb the spread of the infectious disease.
Mpox is a viral disease that affects both humans and animals, transmitted through close contact, including sexual interactions. Vaccination remains the primary method of prevention against mpox. Individuals aged 18 and older who are at high risk of infection are strongly encouraged to receive the vaccine. The vaccine regimen consists of a two-dose primary series for those who have never received a smallpox vaccine and a single booster dose for individuals previously vaccinated against smallpox.
During the handover ceremony at the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, U.S. Ambassador Richard Mills highlighted the importance of this timely donation. “We are pleased to provide this timely donation, which will reach the most affected areas across the country and protect those most vulnerable to mpox infection,” Mills stated. He also encouraged the Nigerian government to continue mobilizing domestic resources to secure additional vaccines to combat mpox.
Targeting the Hardest-Hit Regions
The Nigerian government has identified five priority states—Bayelsa, Edo, Cross-River, Lagos, and Rivers—where mpox cases are most prevalent. The donated vaccines will be administered to those most at risk, including close contacts of confirmed mpox cases and frontline healthcare workers. There are also provisions for reactive vaccination in other states as needed to contain the spread of the virus.
Ambassador Mills addressed public concerns about the safety of the vaccine, reassuring Nigerians that it is safe and effective. “Safety tests were conducted during clinical trials, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) reviewed the trial results before approving the vaccine for use in Nigeria,” he emphasized.
Ongoing Support for Nigeria’s Healthcare System
Beyond this donation, USAID is committed to providing continued technical support and collaboration with the Nigerian government to enhance the country’s ability to prevent, prepare for, detect, respond to, and recover from infectious disease outbreaks. USAID is also supporting Nigeria in strengthening its primary healthcare and routine immunization systems, alongside broader health, education, nutrition, governance, and legal frameworks.
This donation of mpox vaccines marks a critical step in the ongoing partnership between the U.S. and Nigeria in the fight against infectious diseases, reflecting a shared commitment to safeguarding public health and building a more resilient healthcare system in Nigeria.
