Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced the arrival of 10,700 doses of the Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN) Mpox vaccine, marking a major step in Kenya’s fight against the growing Mpox outbreak.
The vaccines were procured through joint efforts by the Kenyan government and global partners including Africa CDC, WHO, UNICEF, and GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance.
“This arrival marks a significant milestone in our national response to interrupt the transmission chain and limit further spread of Mpox,” said Duale during the announcement.
The vaccination campaign will not target the general population but will instead prioritize high-risk groups, including healthcare workers and individuals in counties with confirmed cases.
Kenya has recorded a sharp 100 percent increase in Mpox cases since December 2024, bringing the total number to 67 confirmed cases across 13 counties. Busia, Mombasa, and Nakuru are among the most affected regions.
The vaccine, administered in two doses four weeks apart, has shown 82 percent effectiveness in reducing Mpox severity, transmission, and mortality.
Beyond vaccination, the Ministry of Health continues to enforce enhanced surveillance at 26 points of entry, contact tracing, public awareness campaigns, and rigorous testing.
Kenyans are urged to follow preventive measures such as avoiding contact with suspected cases, practicing good hygiene, and reporting symptoms promptly.
As of now, 49 patients have recovered, 10 are hospitalized, and one death has been reported, setting the fatality rate at 1.5 percent.
Authorities remain on high alert, monitoring 40 close contacts and intensifying disease surveillance nationwide.
