The United States government has donated 10,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine to Nigeria to help in its ongoing fight against monkeypox. The handover took place on Tuesday, August 27, during an official ceremony in Abuja.
The Jynneos vaccine, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is used to prevent smallpox and monkeypox in adults aged 18 and older who are considered at risk of infection.
Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, expressed his gratitude to the U.S. government for the donation. Pate, represented by Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom, highlighted the Nigerian government's commitment to enhancing public health through such collaborations.
"This gesture represents the spirit of cooperation and collaboration that has been sustained over the years, and this vaccine will greatly benefit us," he stated. "The Federal Ministry of Health is committed to ensuring a healthy nation, and all our policies and partnerships aim to safeguard the health of our citizens."
The donation comes amid growing concerns about monkeypox in Africa. On August 13, 2024, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention declared monkeypox a public health emergency of continental security.
As of last Friday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported 40 confirmed cases of monkeypox out of 830 suspected cases across the country.
The vaccine donation is expected to bolster Nigeria's efforts to curb the spread of monkeypox and protect vulnerable populations.
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