Colourised transmission electron micrograph of mpox virus particles (red) found within an infected cell (blue) cultured in the laboratory. (NIH-NIAID/IMAGE POINT FR/BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) The DRC eradicated smallpox in 1971 and for decades to come the vaccines also worked in mpox cases. Mpox vaccines are expected next week as Japan, Belgium and the US pledge supplies.
Humanitarian organisations say the conflict in the country's North Kivu province is hindering their work to contain mpox. In 1971, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) eradicated smallpox in what was one of most remarkable accomplishments of the 20th century. The system built to deal with smallpox would later be the buffer for mpox when human cases were detected because those vaccinated against smallpox were equally protected against mpox.
Over the years, there have been fewer people protected against smallpox and with the younger population vulnerable, mpox found a breeding ground. In a televised press briefing, DRC Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba Mulamba explained the context and history around the mpox outbreak. "Smallpox was eradicated by the vaccine, finished! In the early 1970s, 1980s and late 1990s there were still people vaccinated against smallpox.
"So, when mpox had an outbreak they were still protected by the same vaccine. "The problem is that there are fewer people born before 1980, which means young people are not protected by the old vaccination. "This explains that peop.