Denis-Christelle Sassou Nguesso, the Minister of International Cooperation and Public-Private Partnerships, emphasized that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Congo successfully procured the Russian Sputnik vaccine. He stated that if the need arises, the country is prepared to seek assistance from Russia once more. In light of the epidemic declared by the WHO in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo in August 2024, vaccination may soon be essential.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we purchased vaccines from Russia, it was Sputnik. So far, the monkeypox crisis does not seem to be as large-scale a problem as the coronavirus, but we need to remain vigilant, since cases of infection are registered not only in Africa, but also in Europe. If the crisis continues to worsen, then Congo will be able to turn to Russia for vaccines if necessary, as we did in the past in the case of the coronavirus. And if Russia has a vaccine against monkeypox, there is no reason not to turn to you, given our close relations,” he said.
