International Organization for Migration (IOM), which works among refugees, displaced people and host communities now says at least 150,000 refugees and displaced people in Kenya are targeted to receive Mpox vaccination.
Migrants, internally displaced people, and highly mobile populations face an elevated risk of infection due to their living conditions and transient lifestyles.
“The Mpox outbreak across East, Horn, and Southern Africa is alarming, particularly for vulnerable migrant and displaced communities who are often neglected in such emergencies,” stated Amy Pope, Director General of IOM.
IOM plans to reach 1,960,000 individuals in Kenya, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, South Africa, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. The organization requires $18.5 million to address the needs in these countries.
As of now, the DRC has reported over 15,000 suspected Mpox cases, including 537 deaths, according to the World Health Organization. Confirmed cases have also been reported in Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda.
Mpox is transmitted from animals to humans and spreads through close contact with infected individuals or animals, respiratory droplets, blood, body fluids, or lesions. Symptoms include fever, rash, headaches, sore throat, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and back pain.
In a separate update, the Kenyan Ministry of Health announced on Monday that Kenya will receive 2 million vaccine doses from a Danish manufacturer by December. However, due to limited availability, the vaccine will be prioritized for certain populations.
Director-General Patrick Amoth explained that the vaccine distribution will be selective, and Health CS Deborah Mlongo mentioned that other interventions are underway while awaiting the vaccine.
The Ministry has enhanced communication and increased surveillance at entry points. Over 300,000 travelers have been screened, leading to the early detection of the only confirmed case, reported on July 31. The patient, a 42-year-old truck driver from Kiambu County, has fully recovered.
The Ministry is also conducting tests for suspected cases at national public health labs in collaboration with partner institutions like Kemri.
Mpox primarily affects children, with an overall case fatality rate of 3.6%. The outbreak is primarily sustained through transmission linked to sexual contact and is more prevalent in networks involving commercial sex and sex workers.
The DRC is expected to receive its vaccines next week, which will help reduce the risk to neighboring countries. Health Minister Samuel Kamba stated that 3.5 million doses are needed, with pledges from Japan and the United States.