Kenya receives 10,700 doses of Mpox vaccine as efforts to tackle disease intensify

The Ministry of Health has announced the arrival of 10,700 doses of the Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN) Mpox vaccines to control the ongoing Mpox outbreak.

The vaccines were received through collaborative efforts by the Government of Kenya with support from Africa CDC, World Health Organisation, United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance.

The arrival of the vaccines marks a significant milestone in the national response to interrupt the chain of transmission, and limit further spread of Mpox in the community.

“Vaccination is one of the most effective public health interventions, saving millions of lives annually, and is used globally to promote public health, prevent and control outbreaks, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases,” Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said in a statement.

He added that the Mpox vaccination will be used as an additional public health measure as part of the comprehensive Mpox outbreak response in addition to other outbreak interventions to control the outbreak, such as enhanced surveillance, including at the 26 points of entry, contact tracing, testing of suspected cases, as well as risk communication and community engagement.

“This additional intervention is coming in response to the recent upsurge in Mpox cases in the country, causing a sharp rise of 100% in cases which has doubled the disease burden since 31 December 2024,” he said.

Since the declaration of the outbreak on July 31 last year, a total number of 67 Mpox cases have been confirmed so far from across 13 counties.

The affected counties include Busia (22), Mombasa (12), Nakuru (10), Makueni (6). Bungoma (3), Nairobi (3). Kajiado (2). Taita Taveta (2), Kericho (2). Kilifi (2). Kiambu (1). Uasin Gishu (1) and Migori (1).

Of the reported cases, 49 patients have recovered, 10 are currently admitted, and seven are under home-based care. One death has been reported bringing the case fatality rate to 1.5 per cent.

A total of 327 contacts have been listed from the confirmed cases, 274 of which have been followed up for 21 days. 13 contacts have contracted Mpox. and 40 are currently on follow-up.

Cumulatively, Duale said 4,111,811 travelers screened in 26 Points of Entry, as part of enhance surveillance for the disease. Laboratory testing of suspected cases continues, and the National Public Health Laboratory has received 485 samples: 67 have tested positive (positivity rate: 13.8%) and 414 testing negative.

He said the MVA-BN vaccine has demonstrated safety and efficacy in reducing Mpox disease severity, transmission risk, and mortality. The vaccine effectiveness is estimated to be 82 per cent for 2 doses given four weeks apart. The deployment will not target the general population, but will prioritize high-risk groups, starting with the Counties reporting confirmed cases.

According to Duale, the ministry has identified high risk groups for vaccination include:

• High-risk contacts: Individuals who have had close physical contact with confirmed Mpox cases.

• High-risk populations: Individuals who engage in behaviors that increase their risk of Mpox exposure, such as long-distance truck drivers and sex workers.

• Healthcare workers: Those providing direct care to Mpox patients.

He urged all Kenyans to protect themselves from Mpox by adhering to the recommended public health preventive measures, such as avoiding close contact with suspected or confirmed Mpox cases and sharing personal items, practicing good hygiene, including frequent handwashing; limiting sexual partners; and reporting any suspected symptoms to the nearest health facility.

Others include self-isolating if you have suspected or confirmed Mpox disease; engaging with qualified health care workers, community health promoters, community leaders and verified sources of information for updates and address any concerns; and monitoring and countering misinformation through social media monitoring and verification of information received.