Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have responded to a significant rise in Mpox cases and the emergence of a more virulent strain by approving the use of two new vaccines.
Since the beginning of last year, Congo has recorded over 20,000 Mpox cases, resulting in more than 1,000 deaths, predominantly among children. Mpox, a viral infection transmitted through close contact, manifests with flu-like symptoms and can progress to pus-filled lesions, with severe cases being fatal.
Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) and scientists highlighted the spread of a new, more dangerous strain in Congo’s South Kivu province. In light of this development, regulatory authorities have granted emergency use authorisation for two vaccines: Jynneos, developed by Bavarian Nordic, and LC16, produced by KM Biologics. This decision follows thorough evaluation by relevant authorities and stakeholders involved in the authorisation process.
Congo, one of the world’s poorest countries, first reported a human case of Mpox in 1970. Historically, the country has had limited access to vaccines or treatments for the disease, primarily through clinical trials.
