A shipment of 11,200 mpox vaccine doses, donated by the United States of America and facilitated by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has been dispatched to Abuja, Nigeria, with delivery expected today.
This marks the first step in the implementation of agreements signed in November by Gavi to facilitate the donation of 305,000 vaccine doses to support global and continental responses.
On September 24, the US announced its intention to donate up to 1 million mpox vaccine doses to combat the ongoing emergency and initiated discussions to channel the first 305,000 doses through Gavi.
The vaccines, manufactured by Bavarian Nordic, have been allocated to affected countries via the access and allocation mechanism (AAM) for mpox. The AAM is spearheaded by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi, UNICEF and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
These doses are part of the 899,000 doses allocated during the first round of AAM distributions to nine African countries most impacted by the mpox outbreak. Nearly six million vaccine doses from various nations and organisations are expected to be available by the end of 2024. This includes 500,000 doses of the MVA-BN vaccine that Gavi procured in September, following the declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance,Dr. Sania Nishtar commented: “We thank the US for these donations, which significantly bolster the global response to mpox. In addition to the 500,000 doses that Gavi directly procured in September through our First Response Fund, we now have legal frameworks in place to facilitate a substantial volume of additional pledged doses. We will work with our partners to ensure they are rolled out as swiftly as possible.”
Gavi will also use the First Response Fund to cover delivery costs for doses it procures or facilitates. This funding mechanism was established this year to address key lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The donation through Gavi builds on the US government’s commitment to providing over a million mpox vaccines to international communities facing the current mpox outbreak,” said assistant secretary for preparedness and response (ASPR), Dawn O’Connell. “Viruses do not respect borders and both international and domestic coordination on mpox remain top priorities for ASPR.”
Under the AAM, the allocation of US doses includes the now-shipped 11,200 doses for Nigeria, with delivery imminent. In 2024, 273,000 doses are slated for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and 19,600 doses for Rwanda. Gavi is also in discussions with the US regarding the allocation of the remaining 695,020 doses, which will be distributed by the AAM once countries are ready to receive them.
Beyond facilitating donations from the US and Bavarian Nordic, Gavi has provided emergency cash support of $2.7 million to the DRC and $1.5 million to Rwanda for vaccine rollouts.
News 2 (Aviation)
Yuletide: Aviation Minister Distributes Generous Palliative In Delta
By Oluchi Okorafor
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, has embarked on a noteworthy act of goodwill by distributing a significant quantity of food items to the people of Delta State.
This initiative aims to foster camaraderie and ensure the festive spirit is shared widely across the community.
The extensive distribution effort includes over 10,000 bags of rice, hundreds of cattle and rams. Beneficiaries span a diverse group, including traditional rulers, party leaders, religious leaders, community leaders, opinion leaders, ethnic groups and other key stakeholders. This gesture has been widely lauded as a testament to the minister’s deep connection to his roots and his dedication to the welfare of his people.
Speaking ahead of the distribution, Keyamo expressed his heartfelt motivation for the initiative, emphasising the significance of giving back to the community that has supported him throughout his journey. “This initiative is my humble way of reciprocating the kindness and generosity I have received from the people of Delta State. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ with my kith and kin,” he remarked.
Keyamo also used the occasion to urge Nigerians to support the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of President Bola Tinubu, stressing the importance of collective efforts in addressing the nation’s challenges. He highlighted unity, collaboration and shared responsibility as vital components for achieving national development.
A proud son of Delta State, Keyamo has consistently championed the welfare of Nigerians. His illustrious career as a lawyer, human rights activist and public servant has been defined by his steadfast commitment to justice, equality and fairness, earning him widespread admiration both domestically and internationally.
The festive season distribution is yet another demonstration of his unwavering dedication to societal improvement and his determination to make a meaningful impact on the lives of his people.
