Democratic Republic of the Congo launches urgent Mpox vaccination campaign amid alarming outbreak

Vartha Bharati | 07-10-2024 | 16:37:00 IST

Representational image (credit: moneycontrol)

Kinshasa: Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have launched a vaccination campaign against Mpox, following a significant outbreak that prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a global emergency nearly two months ago.

The vaccination campaign started in the eastern city of Goma, located in the North Kivu province, where local hospitals have been overwhelmed by the spread of a potentially more contagious strain of mpox. The DRC received 265,000 vaccine doses as donations from the European Union and the United States, which are now being administered to frontline workers and at-risk populations.

“Plans have been made to ensure all targeted personnel receive the vaccine,” Muboyayi Chikayal, the minister’s chief of staff, said during the campaign’s launch.

With approximately 30,000 suspected mpox cases and 859 deaths, the DRC has accounted for over 80% of Africa's reported mpox cases and nearly all the deaths this year. The outbreak has affected all 26 provinces of the central African nation.
Health Minister Roger Kamba stated that while the majority of mpox cases and deaths in the DRC have occurred among children under the age of 15, the current doses are being reserved for adults in high-risk groups. He emphasized that vaccination efforts are focused on protecting essential workers who are most exposed to the virus.

In addition to the current adult vaccination efforts, Minister Kamba announced that 3 million doses of a vaccine approved for use in children are expected to arrive from Japan in the coming days, allowing for an expanded immunization effort across the country.

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CSK post 212 for 2 against DC

11-04-2026 ¦ 11-04-2026 IST

Image Courtesy: X/ @ChennaiIPL

Chennai (PTI): Sanju Samson smashed a 56-ball 115 not out to propel Chennai Super Kings to a formidable 212 for 2 against Delhi Capitals in their Indian Premier League match here on Saturday.

Sent in to bat, Samson struck four sixes and 15 fours during his blistering knock, stitching key partnerships -- 62 with Ruturaj Gaikwad (15), 113 with Ayush Mhatre (59) and unbroken 37 with Shivam Dube (20).

For DC, skipper Axar Patel (1/39) was the lone wicket-taker.

Brief Scores:

Chennai Super Kings: 212 for 2 in 20 overs (Sanju Samson 115 not out; Axar Patel 1/39).