By: TPA News Desk | editor@thepointafricanews.com

Sierra Leone has received a new batch of 50,000 doses of the MVA-BN mpox vaccine as the nation intensifies its battle against a persistent surge in cases. This latest delivery bolsters the country’s immunization efforts, adding to the 61,300 doses received in February, bringing the total available vaccines to over 111,000.

The new doses arrive at a critical time for Sierra Leone, which has emerged as a significant hotspot in the ongoing clade II mpox outbreak across Africa. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently confirmed the sustained person-to-person transmission of the virus within the West African nation, underscoring the urgency of increased vaccination coverage.

The MVA-BN vaccine, also known as JYNNEOS, is considered a crucial tool in curbing the spread of the virus. These vital shipments have been facilitated through collaborative efforts involving key global health partners, including the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO). These partnerships aim to ensure equitable access to vaccines for affected African nations.

Despite the recent vaccine deliveries, health authorities emphasize that the challenge remains substantial. Sierra Leone has recorded thousands of mpox cases since the outbreak began, with the virus affecting all 16 districts. The vaccination program prioritizes frontline healthcare workers and vulnerable populations, though the scale of the outbreak necessitates continuous efforts to secure more doses and expand public health interventions.