The United States Government has donated 10,000 doses of the mpox vaccine to Nigeria to support its efforts in responding to the current outbreak.
The donation, made through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), aims to provide timely vaccination to affected areas and individuals most vulnerable to mpox infection.
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“We are pleased to know that this is a timely donation that will reach the affected areas across the country and those who are most vulnerable to mpox infection,” said Ambassador Richard Mills during the handover ceremony at the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) headquarters.
The vaccine will be prioritized for individuals 18 years and older, particularly those in high-risk groups, including close contacts of mpox cases and frontline healthcare workers. The Government of Nigeria has identified five states – Bayelsa, Edo, Cross-River, Lagos, and Rivers – with the highest burden of mpox cases.
Ambassador Mills assured that the vaccine is safe, having undergone rigorous safety tests during clinical trials. USAID will continue to provide technical support and collaborate with the Nigerian government to improve prevention, preparedness, detection, response, and resilience to infectious disease outbreaks.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, thanked the US Government for the donation, assuring that the vaccine will be immediately deployed for use. He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to improving the well-being of Nigerians through collaborations and policies focused on ensuring citizens’ health.
