Littoral: Health minister announces vaccination against Mpox begins April 10.

The campaign will focus on nine health districts within the targeted region.

According to the minister, the vaccination drive will prioritize individuals considered to be at higher risk of infection, specifically those aged 18 years and above. 

Beneficiaries, health officials explained, will receive a dose of the MVA-BN vaccine, a formulation recognized for its effectiveness in protecting against Mpox. 

Authorities have reassured the public that the vaccination will be administered free of charge, removing financial barriers and encouraging widespread participation.

The campaign, as announced, will be rolled out across several key districts, including Bangue, Bonassama, Cité des Palmiers, Deido, Dibombari, Japoma, Logbaba, Nylon, and Yabassi. 

These areas, officials noted, have been identified based on epidemiological surveillance and the need to contain potential clusters of infection in densely populated or high-risk zones.

Officials explained that health services will be provided through fixed vaccination posts located in health facilities, as well as temporary outreach sites set up within communities. 

To ensure the success of the initiative, community health workers will play a crucial role in the days leading up to the campaign. 

They are expected to go door-to-door to identify eligible individuals, raise awareness about the importance of vaccination, and address concerns that residents may have regarding the disease or the vaccine.

Minister Manaouda called on the population to fully embrace the campaign, emphasizing that vaccination remains one of the most effective tools in preventing the spread of Mpox. 

According to the minister, health authorities are intensifying efforts to strengthen disease surveillance and response mechanisms across the country.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that is primarily transmitted from animals to humans, although human-to-human transmission is also possible. 

It is characterized by symptoms such as fever and distinctive skin rashes, which can vary in severity. In recent years, the disease has emerged as a growing public health concern in Cameroon.

Since the beginning of 2026, health officials have recorded confirmed cases of Mpox in several regions, including the Littoral, Centre, South, and South-West. 

In January alone, ten confirmed cases were reported nationwide, prompting authorities to activate an alert system aimed at improving early detection and rapid response.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3755 of Thursday April 09, 2026