Global nations donate mpox vaccines to combat Africa outbreak

In response to a significant outbreak of mpox in Africa, several countries have pledged to donate vaccines to assist in combating the disease. The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a global public health emergency in August, marking the second such declaration in two years. This situation has highlighted the inequity in vaccine access, particularly for African nations that were left without adequate supplies during the global outbreak in 2022. Countries such as Canada, France, Germany, Spain, and the United States have committed to donating a total of over 1 million doses of mpox vaccines. Canada plans to donate up to 200,000 doses, while France has pledged 100,000 doses based on local needs. Germany will contribute 100,000 doses from its military stockpile, and Spain has committed to donating 500,000 doses, which represents 20% of its stockpile. The European Union has also stepped in, promising to share 215,000 doses with affected African countries. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that countries coordinate their donations rather than acting independently, which could lead to inefficiencies in vaccine distribution. The donations are crucial for addressing the urgent health crisis in Africa and aim to provide immediate relief to nations struggling with the outbreak. The collaborative efforts of these countries reflect a growing recognition of the need for equitable access to vaccines in global health emergencies.