In September 2024, Africa CDC offered congratulations to the Governments of Japan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for their agreement on the donation of Lc16 mpox vaccines and specialised inoculation needles. At a signing ceremony in Kinshasa, the two governments marked a “significant milestone” in their cooperation. These vaccines are a “critical boost” to DRC’s mpox response; Lc16 is the only mpox vaccine currently approved for children.
Lc16
The vaccine is derived from the Lister strain of vaccinia and contrasts to the replication-deficient vaccines like Modified Vaccine Ankara (MVA) by retaining most of vaccinia genome and being able to replicate at the site of inoculation. It is administered as a single dose through the scarification method, which involves scratching the skin before applying the vaccine solution. Studies in children suggested that the vaccine was safe and well tolerated, leading to licensure. However, the duration of immunity remains unclear.
Another tool for the fight
Africa CDC states that this donation comes “at a pivotal time” in DRC’s fight against the regional mpox outbreak. Since the declaration of a PHECS in August 2024, a “more coordinated international response” has evolved. Central to this response is vaccination, which is complicated by Africa’s “limited access to critical countermeasures”.
Director General of Africa CDC, H.E. Dr Jean Kaseya, is “deeply appreciative” of the ‘” of the “generous donation” of mpox vaccines and specialised vaccine needles to the DRC.
“This timely assistance will significantly bolster our ongoing efforts to contain the outbreak, and I am confident that this partnership will help mitigate the public health threat posed by mpox, not only in the DRC but across the continent.”
Japan’s Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Takeshi Akahori notes the increasing number of cases in the DRC and other countries, commenting that Japan is “monitoring the situation closely” with WHO.
“I hope that these vaccines and needles will contribute meaningfully to the fight against mpox.”
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