Nigeria has received a significant boost in its fight against Mpox with the arrival of 10,000 JYNNEOS® vaccines, a donation from the United States government. This contribution is aimed at curbing the spread of the viral disease, marking a critical step forward in Nigeria’s ongoing public health efforts, particularly in high-risk regions.
Ambassador Richard Mills, the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, announced in Abuja that the JYNNEOS® vaccine, specifically approved for Mpox prevention, would be distributed nationwide, with priority given to areas with the highest reported cases.
Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox, has long been a public health challenge in Nigeria. While sporadic cases have historically been managed, the current outbreak has heightened the urgency of response efforts. The disease, caused by the monkeypox virus, is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans and spread between humans through close contact.
Ambassador Mills emphasised that this timely donation aligns with global health organisations, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), in intensifying efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease.
“This generous donation of JYNNEOS® Mpox vaccines is a testament to the strong partnership between Nigeria and the United States in advancing public health,” said Mills. “These vaccines will play a crucial role in protecting our population, particularly in high-risk areas where Mpox has posed a serious health threat.”
He highlighted the importance of the donation in light of increasing global Mpox cases, which have prompted heightened surveillance and urgent public health interventions worldwide. The ambassador also stressed that the donation is part of a broader effort to support global health security, particularly in countries grappling with rising infectious disease cases.
“The United States remains committed to working with Nigeria to ensure Mpox is effectively controlled, preventing further outbreaks and safeguarding the population’s health,” he stated.
The Nigerian government, in collaboration with international partners, continues to implement proactive measures to prevent the spread of Mpox. These efforts include public awareness campaigns, healthcare training, and the establishment of isolation centres.
WHO country representative to Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo underscored the importance of a comprehensive approach to managing health risks, ensuring access to treatment, diagnosis and post-vaccine care for affected populations. Mulombo acknowledged ongoing efforts while urging stakeholders to remain committed to vital health measures to combat Mpox effectively.
“We must ensure that people at risk have access to treatment, diagnosis, and post-vaccine care, while also addressing gaps in our current health strategies,” he said. Mulombo also expressed gratitude to the U.S. government for its support, praising Nigeria’s leadership in advancing these health initiatives and setting an example for other African nations.
Ms. Christian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, also commended the United States for its unwavering support in providing vaccines, particularly in Nigeria’s fight against Mpox. “To witness the solidarity and support from the U.S. government, especially through these vaccines, is truly remarkable and deeply appreciated by the people of Nigeria,” she remarked.
Munduate emphasised the critical role of primary health care in responding to outbreaks and the importance of strengthening healthcare systems at local levels to protect vulnerable populations. “It’s vital that we work closely with primary health care entities to ensure rapid and effective responses, particularly in reaching the most vulnerable populations,” she said.
She also highlighted the urgency of timely interventions, noting that quick action is crucial in reaching those most at risk and protecting frontline workers during the outbreak. “These vaccines aim to protect those on the front lines, ensuring they are adequately shielded from the virus as they work to save lives,” she added.
In his welcome address, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate expressed deep gratitude for the global community’s unwavering support, emphasising the challenges and opportunities ahead. “I would like to welcome our international partners and thank them for their relentless support in addressing Nigeria’s public health challenges through their generous contributions,” he said.
Pate, represented by permanent secretary of the Ministry of Health, Daju Kachollom praised the contributions of development partners, including USAID, WHO and UNICEF, for their critical role in addressing health concerns. “I want to extend our sincere thanks to our development partners; their support is vital in ensuring healthcare needs are met without compromise,” he stated.
The minister underscored the ongoing collaborative efforts to transform Nigeria’s health sector, highlighting the collective work of partners and stakeholders in achieving sustainable health outcomes. “Together, we are transforming Nigeria’s health sector, ensuring that every citizen’s health needs are met effectively, regardless of their location or circumstances,” he said.
Executive director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina spoke during the vaccine reception, noting that the vaccines would be administered to healthcare workers, frontline responders and vulnerable populations at the highest risk. Aina emphasised that states with the highest Mpox burden would be prioritised to ensure immediate distribution and effective vaccination to curb the virus’s spread.
As Nigeria rolled out the newly received vaccines, Aina urged the public to remain vigilant, adhere to preventive measures, and support efforts to stop the virus from spreading further. He advised Nigerians to avoid close contact with individuals showing symptoms, practice good hand hygiene, and use protective gear when dealing with suspected cases.
“Healthcare workers are urged to remain vigilant, isolate suspected cases promptly, and notify public health authorities immediately to prevent further spread. For more information or to report suspected cases, the public can contact NCDC through their toll-free number, SMS, or WhatsApp services available nationwide,” Aina added.
JYNNEOS® is a third-generation vaccine licensed to prevent smallpox and Mpox, recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices (ACIP) for individuals at risk of exposure to orthopoxvirus infections, including Mpox. Since the 2022 Mpox outbreak, JYNNEOS has been the primary vaccine used in the U.S. It is based on the live, attenuated Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) virus, which does not replicate efficiently in humans.
JYNNEOS, also known as Imvamune® or Imvanex® internationally, is fully licensed in the U.S. for use in adults aged 18 and older and became commercially available in the U.S. as of April 1, 2024.
