Nigerian government has been donated 10,000 doses of Jynneos, an anti-Mpox vaccine, by the United States government.
The vaccine, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, is designed to prevent smallpox and Mpox in individuals aged 18 and older who are at risk of these infections.
On Tuesday, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, officially handed over the vaccine to Muyi Aina, the Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA). The ceremony took place at the NPHCDA headquarters in Abuja.
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During the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachillom, who represented Minister Muhammad Pate, expressed gratitude to the US government. Kachillom praised the donation as a “spirit of cooperation and collaboration” and emphasized the Federal Ministry of Health’s commitment to improving the well-being of Nigerians.
“This vaccine will be of great help to us,” Kachillom said. “The Federal Ministry of Health understands the importance of having a healthy nation, so all the policies that we implement and the collaborations are focused on ensuring our citizens’ health.”
Kachillom also acknowledged the contributions of developmental partners such as USAID, PEPFAR, WHO, and UNICEF in combating the outbreak.
“We all recognize the size of our population, and we must ensure that we address every disease, especially those that pose public health concerns,” he added.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a rare infectious disease transmitted through contact with infected animals or people. It is characterized by symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and a rash. While typically self-limiting, Mpox can lead to severe complications.
To date, Nigeria has recorded 40 confirmed Mpox cases and 830 suspected cases across 33 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). No deaths from Mpox have been reported in Nigeria.
