USAID MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity (the project) is proud to support the Government of Nigeria in the deployment of the JYNNEOS vaccine against mpox to vaccinate high-risk populations. This initiative is a critical step in responding to the surge in mpox cases across the African continent. Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus and can be transmitted through contact with infected animals or through human-to-human contact, including sexual contact. The main symptoms of mpox include fever, headache, back pain, muscle aches, low energy, swollen lymph nodes, and rash.

Recent data from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has highlighted the urgent need for action, with 2,863 confirmed cases and 517 deaths recorded across 13 African countries, as of August 13, 2024. On August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the recent increase in mpox cases in DRC and other African countries as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, underscoring the global urgency to contain the outbreak.

On August 27, the U.S. government, through USAID, facilitated the procurement, shipment, and donation of an initial supply of 10,000 doses of the JYNNEOS mpox vaccine to the Government of Nigeria. The Nigerian government, working collaboratively with partners, have prioritized five states—Bayelsa, Edo, Cross River, Lagos, and Rivers—where mpox cases are most prevalent to receive the vaccine. The vaccines will be administered to individuals at highest risk, including close contacts of confirmed mpox cases and frontline healthcare workers.

In addition to vaccination, the risk of mpox can be reduced by avoiding contact with infected humans or animals, contaminated objects and materials and washing hands with soap and water.

The project and the Government of Nigeria have begun to distribute the vaccine to the five prioritized states. In Nigeria, as of August 25, 2024, there have been 48 confirmed cumulative cases and 868 suspected cumulative cases (over the preceding 35 weeks) in more than 20 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The project is supporting Nigeria’s Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention with public awareness and support for vaccine deployment.

“Today represents something very important which is symbolic of the collaboration and partnership that we have enjoyed from the US; our immunization program, our PHC [primary health care] program, the NCDC [The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention] program through USAID, and many grantees that the Government of the US supports. This is a continuation of that.” – Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Secretary and CEO of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, or NPHCDA, Nigeria.

USAID reaffirms its commitment to global health security and will continue to work closely with the Nigerian government and other partners to support the country’s efforts to reduce the spread of mpox and other vaccine-preventable diseases and protect the health of its people.

“Our work with our Nigerian partners on health is one of the biggest priorities that we all have at the US embassy and the US mission, and I want to thank all of the members of the team that are here today.” – US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jr.

Learn more about MOMENTUM’s work in Nigeria.

Click here to view the vaccine handover ceremony.