Johannesburg, July 18 || As more laboratory-confirmed mpox cases continue to be detected in South Africa, the National Department of Health has announced plans to commence vaccination to curb the spread of the disease.
"Vaccination helps control the spread of this preventable and manageable disease, with vaccinated individuals being protected from infection and from developing severe complications," Health Department spokesperson Foster Mohale said on Wednesday.
Following the recent detection of two new cases in the Western Cape and Gauteng, the department said the mpox vaccine would be made available in the three most affected provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal.
According to the department, 10 mpox cases have been recorded since the start of 2025. The outbreak in South Africa began in May 2024, with over 20 cases reported since then.
Residents of the three most affected provinces will be able to access the vaccine at public health facilities.