Kenya has taken a major step in reinforcing its epidemic preparedness, following the arrival of 10,700 doses of the Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN) vaccine to combat the recent spike in Mpox cases.
The vaccines secured through collaboration with Africa CDC, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and GAVI position Kenya not only to contain its own outbreak but to lead by example in East Africa’s public health response.
“The arrival of the vaccines marks a significant milestone in the national response to interrupt the chain of transmission, and limit further spread of Mpox in the community,” said Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
This coordinated intervention reflects a shift in how Kenya is tackling outbreaks moving from reactive crisis management to proactive, data-informed strategies. Alongside vaccination, the Ministry of Health is boosting surveillance at 26 points of entry, scaling up contact tracing, and launching public education drives to improve risk awareness.
“This additional intervention is coming in response to the recent upsurge in Mpox cases in the country, causing a sharp rise of 100% in cases which has doubled the disease burden since 31st December 2024,” Duale stated.
With a vaccine effectiveness rate of 82% after two doses, experts say the rollout could mark a turning point in halting further transmission.
