The United States Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development,USAID,Tuesday, donated 10,000 doses of the mpox (formerly referred to as “Monkeypox”) vaccine to the Government of Nigeria to support its efforts in responding to the current mpox outbreak.

Mpox is an infectious viral disease that occurs in humans and animals. It can be transmitted through close contact including sexual interactions.

The prevention of mpox is through vaccination. Individuals of 18 years of age and older are determined to be at high risk for mpox infection and highly recommended to take the vaccine.

The vaccine is a two-dose primary series for use in persons who have never received smallpox vaccine and a single booster for individuals previously vaccinated with a smallpox vaccine.

Ambassador Richard Mills, speaking at the event to hand over the vaccines to the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, NPHCDA,explained that the United States Government’s action was aimed at providing timely vaccine to the affected areas across the country and those who are most vulnerable to mpox infection.

“We are pleased to know that this is a timely donation that will reach the affected areas across the country and those who are most vulnerable to mpox infection.”

“We encourage the Government of Nigeria to continue to mobilize domestic resources to secure more vaccines to combat mpox, “he said.