Kenya has received 10,700 doses of the Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA–BN) vaccine to help curb the ongoing Mpox outbreak.
In an official statement, Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale announced that the vaccines were secured through collaborative efforts with Africa CDC, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance.
“The arrival of these vaccines marks a significant milestone in our national response to interrupt transmission chains and curb further spread of Mpox within communities,” stated CS Duale.
He noted that the vaccines will complement ongoing containment measures, including enhanced surveillance at 26 points of entry, contact tracing, testing of suspected cases, risk communication, and community engagement.
“This intervention follows a sharp 100% surge in Mpox cases since December 31, 2024, effectively doubling the national disease burden,” Duale explained.
The MVA–BN vaccine has shown strong safety and efficacy profiles, significantly reducing Mpox severity, transmission risk, and mortality. According to Duale, its effectiveness is estimated at 82% when two doses are administered four weeks apart.
Targeted Vaccination Strategy
The CS emphasized that the vaccination rollout will initially target high-risk groups, particularly in counties with confirmed cases. The general population will not be part of the first phase.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health continues to urge the public to take preventive measures, including avoiding close contact with suspected or confirmed cases, practicing good hygiene, limiting sexual partners, and reporting symptoms promptly.
Mpox Situation Report: April 2025
Since the outbreak was declared on July 31, 2024, Kenya has confirmed 67 Mpox cases across 13 counties:
- Busia (22), Mombasa (12), Nakuru (10), Makueni (6), Bungoma (3), Nairobi (3), Kajiado (2), Taita Taveta (2), Kericho (2), Kilifi (2), Kiambu (1), Uasin Gishu (1), Migori (1)
Out of the total confirmed cases:
- 49 patients have recovered
- 10 are currently hospitalized
- 7 are under home-based care
- 1 death has been reported, bringing the case fatality rate to 1.5%
A total of 327 contacts have been identified from these cases:
- 274 have completed the 21-day follow-up
- 13 have tested positive for Mpox
- 40 remain under observation
To date, 4,111,811 travelers have been screened at the 26 designated points of entry as part of intensified surveillance efforts.
