In an ongoing battle against mpox, Nigeria has received 10,000 doses of a vaccine to combat the disease, becoming the first country in Africa to receive a shipment amid the current outbreak. This development comes after Nigeria initiated efforts to secure the vaccines prior to the World Health Organization's (WHO) declaration of a global health emergency earlier this month.

The West African nation has confirmed 40 mpox cases in 2024; however, health officials estimate the actual number could surpass 700. In response to the outbreak, Nigeria has called for expedited action from international agencies to effectively manage the crisis, which has predominantly affected the continent.

The vaccine doses were provided as a donation from the United States. Notably, Nigeria has reported no fatalities linked to mpox and has not encountered cases of Clade 1b, a concerning new variant that has emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo and its neighboring countries. In contrast, the DR Congo has recorded over 18,000 suspected mpox cases and 615 deaths this year.

While there are currently no mpox-specific vaccines, existing smallpox vaccines have shown efficacy against the virus. Two pharmaceutical companies are manufacturing these vaccines, and Nigeria has declared its intention to prioritize health workers and at-risk communities in the 13 states affected by the outbreak during its vaccination campaign.

Nigeria's proactive efforts to secure vaccines highlight the urgent need for an organized and swift international response to health emergencies in Africa.