The United States has made a significant contribution to Nigeria’s public health efforts by donating 10,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine on Tuesday.
The Jynneos vaccine, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is used to prevent smallpox and mpox in adults aged 18 and older who are at risk of contracting the mpox virus.
During the official handover ceremony in Abuja, Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, expressed gratitude to the U.S. government for its generous donation.
Pate, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, emphasized the Nigerian government’s dedication to enhancing the health and well-being of its citizens.
He remarked, “This collaboration and spirit of cooperation between our nations over the years is crucial, and the vaccine donation will be of immense benefit to us. The Federal Ministry of Health is committed to ensuring the health of our people through effective policies and international partnerships.”
He continued by acknowledging the leadership of Nigeria’s health sector, noting, “The Minister prioritizes health matters, and Nigeria is fortunate to have such committed leaders like the Coordinating Minister and Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health, who are working together to transform our health sector.”
Pate also expressed hope for additional support in the future and thanked other development partners, including USAID, PEPFAR, WHO, UNICEF, and various UN organizations, for their ongoing collaboration.
“We all understand the vastness of our population and the necessity to address all diseases, particularly those that pose significant public health risks. We are deeply appreciative of this support,” he added.
Mpox is a rare viral zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. It primarily occurs in remote villages of Central and West Africa near tropical rainforests.
The disease is caused by the mpox virus, part of the Orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes the viruses responsible for smallpox and cowpox.
In the wake of smallpox’s eradication, mpox has emerged as the most notable Orthopoxvirus, prompting the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention to declare it a public health emergency of continental security on August 13, 2024.
As of last Friday, Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported 40 confirmed cases of mpox out of 830 suspected cases nationwide.
