Gavi’s 200,000 Mpox vaccine shipment to DRC targets regions with 20,000 cases

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will receive a major shipment of 200,000 mpox vaccine doses this week, delivered by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, as part of global efforts to address the ongoing mpox crisis.

This marks the largest vaccine delivery to the country since the outbreak began, reflecting Gavi's continued commitment to supporting the DRC in its battle against the disease.

Mpox continues to be classified as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), with the DRC suffering the worst of the outbreak. By mid-April 2025, the country had reported over 20,000 cases and 49 deaths.

In response to this, DRC has already administered more than 500,000 doses since October 2024, with over 950,000 doses received from various partners, including the latest batch from Gavi.

Minister of Health, Dr. Samuel Roger Kamba, praised the international cooperation that facilitated this shipment, stating, "Beyond its strong symbolism, this delivery demonstrates the constant mobilisation of all actors involved in protecting the most vulnerable communities and preserving global health."

The newly arrived 200,000 doses will be distributed primarily to the hardest-hit areas in the DRC, with special focus on regions that have seen large-scale displacement due to ongoing security challenges.

These areas have become breeding grounds for the disease, affecting some of the country’s most vulnerable populations.

Mpox's emergence in 2024, alongside the rise of Clade Ib, led the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare it a PHEIC and prompted a continent-wide response, including the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declaring it a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security.

As of April 2025, nearly 31,000 cases have been confirmed in 24 African countries, with 16 countries outside the continent also reporting infections.

Vaccination has become a critical tool in combating the disease, with over 647,000 doses administered across Africa.

The partnership between Gavi, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and other organizations has been key to this success, ensuring that vaccines reach the regions most in need.

Through its First Response Fund, Gavi has played a crucial role in securing vaccines and providing vaccination support to countries like the DRC, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Uganda.

Dr. Derrick Sim, Managing Director of Vaccine Markets and Health Security at Gavi, highlighted the importance of early intervention in combating infectious diseases.

"Emerging threats like mpox Clade Ib should be a warning to all of us. The best way to save lives and lessen the spread and economic impact of infectious disease outbreaks worldwide is to invest in prevention and early response," he said.

Looking to the future, Gavi plans to build a global stockpile of mpox vaccines as part of its strategy for 2026 to 2030, alongside its existing stockpiles for diseases like cholera and Ebola.