Kenya is preparing to roll out mpox vaccinations by December 2024 to protect high-risk populations from a new strain of the virus affecting several African nations.
This initiative will position Kenya as the fourth African country to implement mpox vaccination, following the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Nigeria.
The vaccine supply is expected from the Africa Centre for Disease Control (Africa CDC), which currently has 5.6 million doses.
Dr. Sultani Matendechero, Deputy Director General of Kenya’s Ministry of Health, stated that the Ministry is in the process of requesting vaccine doses from Africa CDC and is exploring additional sources to secure more vaccines independently.
Mary Muthoni, Principal Secretary for Public Health, emphasized that vigilance is critical, particularly in high-risk counties like Taita Taveta, Busia, and Mombasa, where enhanced monitoring measures are in place.
While Kenya has confirmed 13 mpox cases since mid-October, no new cases have been reported following the country’s first mpox-related death.
