Nigeria has launched its national vaccination campaign against MPOX, a virus that has infected 103 individuals in the country without causing any fatalities, as of Monday, October 21. With a population of more than 220 million, Nigeria is taking swift action to prevent a potential epidemic outbreak.
Currently, the country has only 9,000 doses available—having already donated 1,000 doses to Rwanda—prompting Nigerian authorities to adopt a targeted vaccination strategy. The campaign will initially focus on the states most affected by MPOX, including Cross River, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom in the south, as well as Enugu State in the southeast.
Priority will be given to frontline health workers, individuals with compromised immune systems, and those identified as contact cases. Additionally, children aged five and older will be included in this vaccination initiative.
The vaccine, known as Jynneos and donated by the United States, requires two doses administered 28 days apart. Although Nigeria does not currently produce this vaccine, the government is exploring the possibility of developing its own in the future, though addressing MPOX is not considered an immediate priority.
In addition to combating MPOX, Nigeria is also facing challenges with measles, cholera, and malaria, all of which are straining the nation’s healthcare system. Last week, a new vaccination campaign against malaria was also launched, highlighting the ongoing public health challenges the country is working to address.