Grand Cape Mount, Liberia – Since August 2024, Liberia has reported a total of 74 mpox cases, with one active case in the Grand Cape Mount. In collaboration with the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Gavi, the Ministry of Health launched a nationwide mpox vaccination drive to combat the spread of the virus.
The vaccination efforts kicked off in the presence of the Minister of Health, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, NPHIL Director General, Dr. Dugbeh Nyan, and Grand Cape Mount County Health Officer, Dr. Daniel Koffa who became the first individuals to receive the vaccine. “This is a great joy for me — We are adding a new tool to the fight against mpox in Liberia. Our commitment to surveillance, community engagement, and risk communication has laid the foundation for this important initiative,” Dr. Kpoto declared. “We thank all health partners who have contributed to bring this vaccine to Liberia,” the Minister added.
This mpox vaccination campaign will prioritize at-risk populations, including contacts of confirmed cases, healthcare workers, and hotspot communities.
“I was very comfortable when I took the vaccine because I saw the Minister of Health get vaccinated first. Now I feel happy I am vaccinated, and I know that I am well protected from the virus,” shared Denise Zodiah, one of the mpox vaccine beneficiaries and a resident of Grand Cape Mount County.
Liberia is one of the 10 African countries to have received mpox vaccine doses, and among the 7 countries to implement vaccination measures against the virus. A total of 10 800 vaccine doses were shipped to Liberia by WHO in collaboration with Africa CDC.
“This vaccine arrives at a crucial time and is expected to protect our citizens’ health and wellbeing,” emphasized EPI Director at the Ministry of Health, Dr Yuah Nemah.
To ensure the successful introduction of the mpox vaccine into the country, WHO deployed two consultants to provide technical support to the Ministry of Health in outlining the vaccination roll-out plan. WHO also supported the development of health promotional messages to raise awareness about the mpox disease and the benefits of vaccination.
“Vaccination is one of the most effective and safe countermeasures used in the response for mpox. This strategic intervention represents a major step in Liberia’s efforts to prevent the spread of the virus,” remarked Dr Julius Monday, WHO Health Emergency Team Lead.
To prepare the ground for the mpox vaccine roll out, WHO and the Ministry of Health trained 231 health workers in vaccination strategies, vaccine safety, data monitoring & risk communication. WHO also continues to support NPHIL in active case finding, and contact follow up, which is a major driver for the mpox vaccination.
“We thank WHO for their support in strengthening our diagnostic capacity, improving our surveillance system and our preparedness to respond to public health emergencies,” said Dr Dugbeh Nyan, Director of NPHIL.
