The Indonesian government has ordered thousands of doses of Mpox vaccines from Denmark to prevent the spread of the viral infection.
A shipment of 1,600 vaccine doses is expected to arrive next week, with plans to procure additional vaccines from countries like Japan.
The disease, formerly known as monkeypox, is spread through close contact and contaminated objects. Symptoms include muscle aches, fever, and large skin lesions. Mpox outbreaks have been reported in several African countries, with a new variant identified as more transmissible and deadlier than previous strains.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global health emergency for the disease. Limited supplies and a high price tag make it difficult for high-risk individuals to access the vaccine. Indonesia recorded its first Mpox case in 2022 and has detected 88 cases since then.
Vaccinations will be prioritized for select groups, and the vaccine will not be available to the wider public. The Indonesian government will also increase health surveillance at entry points and educate the public on health protocols. Travelers between Indonesia and Africa are advised to practice proper hygiene and safe sexual behavior.
