As Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) continues to spread across Africa, Congolese authorities announced on Thursday the arrival of the first batch of vaccines in the country’s capital. The delivery comes three weeks after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox outbreaks in 12 African countries a global health emergency.

The 100,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine, donated by the European Union, will be followed by another 100,000 doses on Saturday, according to Congolese officials. Congo’s Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba said UNICEF will lead the vaccination campaign, although the start date remains unclear.

Dr. Jean Kaseya, head of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, emphasized the importance of these vaccines in protecting healthcare workers and vulnerable populations, noting that 380,000 doses have been promised by Western partners. However, he acknowledged that the initial 100,000 doses fall far short of the 3 million needed to halt the outbreaks in Congo.

Mercy Muthee Laker, the Congo representative for the Red Cross and Red Crescent, praised the vaccine delivery but expressed concern that the number of doses promised is insufficient given the severity of the situation. Congo has reported more than 4,900 confirmed Mpox cases and 629 deaths since the start of 2024, making it the epicenter of the outbreak.

The WHO has launched a six-month plan to control the spread of Mpox in Congo and neighboring countries, focusing on increasing staffing and bolstering surveillance, prevention, and response efforts. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus remains optimistic, stating that the outbreaks "can be controlled and stopped" with coordinated action between international agencies, national partners, and civil society.