Mpox vaccines have been administered in Africa for the first time, with Rwanda vaccinating several hundred high-risk individuals.
The African Union’s disease control center announced the milestone on Thursday, marking a significant step in combating the virus.
The first 300 doses were administered on Tuesday near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The DRC has been the worst-affected country, with nearly 22,000 cases and over 700 deaths between January and August.
Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya stated that vaccinations in the DRC would begin in the first week of October.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is transmitted to humans by infected animals and through close physical contact.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently prequalified the MVA-BN vaccine, enabling international agencies to procure it.
Africa CDC reported a total of 29,152 cases and 738 deaths across 15 African countries.
Kaseya emphasized that mpox is not yet under control, with cases continuing to rise in Burundi and the DRC.
WHO’s chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, warned of multiple outbreaks caused by different strains.
The WHO recommends the vaccine for people over 18, with off-label use in children and pregnant individuals in outbreak settings.