EPIDEMIC - The Mpox vaccine is becoming scarce
Miangaly Ralitera - Published on June 30, 2026
Health centers are experiencing shortages of Mpox vaccines. Authorities announce the imminent arrival of thirty thousand new doses.
Disappointment at health centers. Those hoping to get vaccinated against Mpox are leaving empty-handed. Doses have been unavailable at health centers for several days. "At first, I didn't really believe in this disease, but when I saw colleagues getting sick, I understood that we had to protect ourselves. I came to get vaccinated, but they're telling me to come back in a few days. The wait is starting to seriously stress me out, with the rapid spread of the disease," a truck driver said yesterday. Vaccine stocks are depleted, according to Professor Jean de Dieu Mamy Randria, incident manager at the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHOOC), on Monday, during a presentation on the evolution of the epidemic.
According to official figures available to date, 99,000 people have already been vaccinated against Mpox. The Directorate of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) at the Ministry of Public Health estimates that the actual number vaccinated is closer to 120,000 to 140,000. The count remains incomplete, as some primary healthcare centers have not yet been able to transmit their data due to their remote location.
It took more than three months for the 30,000 doses of vaccine received in March to be completely administered. The vaccination campaign started slowly, with low turnout initially. "We received doses to vaccinate 140,000 people. But we are still at fewer than 10,000 people vaccinated," said Dr. Laurent Musongo, the World Health Organization (WHO) Resident Representative in Madagascar, during the official World Health Day ceremony at the Barea Stadium in Mahamasina on April 7.
Only weapons
With the spread of cases, including over two thousand confirmed cases in six months and around ten deaths, the demand for the vaccine is growing. Unfortunately, the vaccine is not currently available. This situation should, however, be resolved quickly.
“Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the next shipment is expected on July 5. This second batch should provide an additional 30,000 doses of vaccine,” stated Dr. Tsivahiny Paubert, Director of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). These new doses will allow for the vaccination of nearly 140,000 people. Until this delivery arrives, vigilance and strict adherence to protective measures remain the only tools available to curb the epidemic. Mpox is transmitted through close contact with an infected person.
Fifty new confirmed cases
The latest official report from the Ministry of Public Health indicates an acceleration of infections across the country. According to the latest update published by the National Public Health Coordination Unit (COUSP) on June 30, 2026, 50 new cases were officially confirmed nationwide. These cases are located in Toamasina I and II, Maintirano, Tolagnaro, Antsirabe, Vatomandry, and Mandoto. With these new cases, the cumulative total since December 2025 has reached 2,459. 61 new suspected cases were also reported.
Miangaly Ralitera
https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/epidemie-le-vaccin-contre-la-mpox-se_0633018855.html