Abuja, Nigeria—In a critical step towards combating the ongoing threat of mpox, the United States government has donated 10,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine to Nigeria. This donation, made on Tuesday, is part of a broader effort to address the viral illness that has caused significant public health concerns globally, particularly in the wake of recent outbreaks.
The Jynneos vaccine, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is specifically designed to prevent both smallpox and mpox in adults aged 18 and older who are at risk of infection. This vaccine is seen as an essential tool in the global fight against the virus, which continues to pose serious health risks.
During an official handover ceremony held in Abuja, Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, expressed deep gratitude to the U.S. government for its generous donation. Represented by Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom, Prof. Pate emphasized that this donation reflects the longstanding spirit of cooperation and collaboration between Nigeria and the United States.
“This is a spirit of cooperation and collaboration through the years, and this vaccine will be of great help to us,” Pate stated, underlining the significance of the contribution in enhancing Nigeria’s public health infrastructure. He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to improving public health across the nation, noting that the Jynneos vaccine would be instrumental in controlling the spread of mpox.
Prof. Pate also extended his thanks to other development partners, including USAID, PEPFAR, WHO, UNICEF, and various United Nations organizations, for their continued support in Nigeria’s health sector. He highlighted the importance of addressing public health threats like mpox, which pose significant risks to the population.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. The virus has two distinct clades: Clade I, which includes subclades Ia and Ib, and Clade II, which includes subclades IIa and IIb. The 2022–2023 global outbreak of mpox was primarily caused by the clade IIb strain, leading to a renewed focus on prevention and control measures.
Despite global efforts, mpox remains a persistent threat, with recent surges in cases reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other countries, primarily driven by clades Ia and Ib. These developments have heightened global concern and underscored the need for continued vigilance and intervention.
Vaccination remains one of the most effective strategies to prevent mpox, alongside other public health interventions. Common symptoms of mpox include skin rashes or mucosal lesions that can last 2–4 weeks, accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. The virus can be transmitted through close contact with an infected person, contaminated materials, or infected animals. It can also be passed from mother to fetus during pregnancy or to the newborn during or after birth.
Treatment for mpox is primarily supportive, focusing on managing symptoms such as pain and fever, ensuring proper nutrition and hydration, and preventing secondary infections. In cases where HIV is present, co-infections are also treated as part of the comprehensive care approach.
The U.S. donation of the Jynneos vaccine represents a significant boost to Nigeria’s public health efforts, offering hope in the ongoing battle against mpox. As global health challenges continue to evolve, international cooperation and support remain crucial in protecting vulnerable populations and preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
