Mpox Outbreak in DRC: Vaccination Efforts and Ongoing Concerns

A recent outbreak of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has prompted a significant vaccination response, with over 400,000 people vaccinated in Kinshasa in less than two weeks in May 2025. Despite this rapid rollout, health officials are emphasizing the need for continued vigilance, improved communication, and increased support to combat the spread of the virus.

Rapid Vaccination Response in Kinshasa

In May 2025, authorities in Kinshasa launched a large-scale vaccination campaign targeting mpox. More than 400,000 individuals received the vaccine at a site in the Pakadjuma district of the Limete municipality. Professor Yap Boum, deputy head of the continental management system team for the response to Mpox at Africa CDC, noted that this strong public response “reflects a real and perceived need in the context of an outbreak of cases.” [Source: ACP]

Communication Strategies and Community Engagement

The success of the vaccination campaign has been attributed to effective communication strategies. These included clear, contextualized, and proactive messaging highlighting the efficacy and safety of the vaccine, as well as addressing rumors and concerns. [Source: ACP] The use of local languages, community leaders, and door-to-door outreach played a crucial role in building trust and encouraging participation.

Challenges Remain in Rural Areas

Even as vaccination efforts have been successful in urban centers like Kinshasa, challenges remain in reaching rural and remote areas. Professor Yap Boum emphasized the need to continue building trust and increasing transparency regarding potential vaccine side effects. He suggested integrating communication about the vaccine into routine health systems to reassure vulnerable and isolated populations, even beyond the immediate emergency phase. [Source: ACP]

Africa CDC Coordination and Mpox Response

The current mpox response in Africa represents a significant milestone in public health collaboration. In January 2025, Yap Boum II became Deputy Incident Manager for the continental response to mpox with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), based in DR Congo. This marked the first time the Africa CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) co-led a response to a health crisis in Africa. [Source: The Lancet]

Need for Continued Support

Africa CDC continues to advocate for increased support in the fight against mpox. Yap Boum, as Incident Manager for the DRC, has highlighted the ongoing need for resources and collaboration to effectively manage and prevent future outbreaks. [Source: MSN] A briefing in July 2025 indicated a positive trend with a drop in confirmed cases, but officials stressed the importance of sustained efforts. [Source: AllAfrica]