Grand Cape Mount, Liberia – Since August 2024, Liberia has reported a complete of 74 mpox instances, with one energetic case within the Grand Cape Mount. In collaboration with the Nationwide Public Well being Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), the World Well being Group (WHO), Africa Heart for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC), and Gavi, the Ministry of Well being launched a nationwide mpox vaccination drive to fight the unfold of the virus.
The vaccination efforts kicked off within the presence of the Minister of Well being, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, NPHIL Director Basic, Dr. Dugbeh Nyan, and Grand Cape Mount County Well being Officer, Dr. Daniel Koffa who grew to become the primary people to obtain the vaccine. “It is a nice pleasure for me — We’re including a brand new instrument to the battle towards mpox in Liberia. Our dedication to surveillance, group engagement, and danger communication has laid the inspiration for this essential initiative,” Dr. Kpoto declared. “We thank all well being companions who’ve contributed to deliver this vaccine to Liberia,” the Minister added.
This mpox vaccination marketing campaign will prioritize at-risk populations, together with contacts of confirmed instances, healthcare employees, and hotspot communities.
“I used to be very comfy once I took the vaccine as a result of I noticed the Minister of Well being get vaccinated first. Now I really feel comfortable I’m vaccinated, and I do know that I’m effectively protected against the virus,” shared Denise Zodiah, one of many mpox vaccine beneficiaries and a resident of Grand Cape Mount County.
Liberia is likely one of the 10 African nations to have obtained mpox vaccine doses, and among the many 7 nations to implement vaccination measures towards the virus. A complete of 10 800 vaccine doses have been shipped to Liberia by WHO in collaboration with Africa CDC.
“This vaccine arrives at a vital time and is anticipated to guard our residents’ well being and wellbeing,” emphasised EPI Director on the Ministry of Well being, Dr Yuah Nemah.
To make sure the profitable introduction of the mpox vaccine into the nation, WHO deployed two consultants to offer technical help to the Ministry of Well being in outlining the vaccination roll-out plan. WHO additionally supported the event of well being promotional messages to lift consciousness in regards to the mpox illness and the advantages of vaccination.
“Vaccination is likely one of the only and secure countermeasures used within the response for mpox. This strategic intervention represents a serious step in Liberia’s efforts to forestall the unfold of the virus,” remarked Dr Julius Monday, WHO Well being Emergency Staff Lead.
To arrange the bottom for the mpox vaccine roll out, WHO and the Ministry of Well being educated 231 well being employees in vaccination methods, vaccine security, information monitoring & danger communication. WHO additionally continues to help NPHIL in energetic case discovering, and call comply with up, which is a serious driver for the mpox vaccination.
“We thank WHO for his or her help in strengthening our diagnostic capability, enhancing our surveillance system and our preparedness to reply to public well being emergencies,” mentioned Dr Dugbeh Nyan, Director of NPHIL.