Abuja, To curb the spread of mpox, Nigeria launched a targeted vaccination campaign across 12 high-burden states, aiming to protect vulnerable populations and strengthen outbreak response mechanisms.

Coordinated by the Federal Government through the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), the ten-day campaign—rolled out in staggered phases throughout August—is supported by State Ministries of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, provided the WHO-prequalified MVA-BN mpox vaccines.

Strategic Deployment in High-Risk Areas

A total of 30,100 vaccine doses are being administered in Benue, Edo, Kaduna, Plateau, Ogun, Ondo, Imo, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Rivers, and Cross River states. These locations were selected based on epidemiological data and outbreak risk assessments.

Mpox re-emerged in Nigeria in 2017 after nearly four decades of absence. By 2024, the country had recorded 1,947 suspected cases and 189 deaths. As of August 17, 2025, there were 1,148 suspected cases, 283 confirmed infections, and four deaths reported across 32 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Protecting Those Most at Risk

The vaccination campaign targets:

• Adults aged 18+ who have had contact with confirmed mpox cases

• Frontline health workers, including clinicians and lab staff

• Individuals with weakened immune systems

• Persons with high-risk sexual behaviors

Each recipient receives two doses, spaced four weeks apart, to reduce disease severity and interrupt transmission in outbreak-prone communities.

Community Voices: Hope and Confidence

In Benue State, Mrs. Nguemo Uhaa, 50, shared her experience:

"Though I have never met anyone with mpox, I feel safer after receiving the vaccine and will encourage my family to do the same."

In Plateau State, frontline health worker Ms. Danjuma Chundung Daform said:

"As a health worker, I face increased risks. Being vaccinated boosts my confidence to keep serving my community."

In Cross River, Mr. Edem, 40, praised the initiative:

"I commend the government for making vaccines available to both the young and the old."

Government and Partner Perspectives

Dr. Caleb Ba’amlong, Plateau State Commissioner for Health, emphasized the importance of collaboration:

"We are grateful to our partners, especially Gavi and WHO, for ensuring access to the mpox vaccine. This campaign strengthens outbreak response and contributes to global health security by reducing cross-border spread."

Dr. Alex Gasasira, Acting WHO Representative in Nigeria, highlighted the milestone:

"The introduction of the mpox vaccine is a key step in stopping transmission and protecting frontline workers and vulnerable groups. Due to limited supply, the campaign focuses on high-risk individuals, complementing surveillance and case management efforts."

WHO’s Role in Strengthening Response

WHO has played a pivotal role in supporting Nigeria’s vaccination efforts by:

• Training vaccination and cold-chain teams

• Providing job aids and digital data tools

• Coordinating logistics and monitoring vaccine safety

• Supporting risk communication to boost public awareness

In collaboration with NCDC, Gavi, and UNICEF, WHO also facilitated Nigeria’s application for vaccine allocations from global stockpiles, ensuring that limited supplies reach the most affected communities.

Preliminary results show promising uptake, with over 19,300 individuals vaccinated to date.

Part of a Global Strategy

Nigeria’s initiative aligns with WHO’s global strategy to reduce mpox transmission, expand vaccine access, and integrate vaccination with surveillance, testing, and community engagement. WHO continues to work with countries across Africa and beyond to enhance preparedness and response capacity.