WHO Allocates 899,000 Vaccines Amid Mpox Crisis in Africa

The World Health Organization announced the allocation of an initial 899,000 vaccine doses to combat the mpox outbreak affecting nine African nations. The affected countries include the Central African Republic, Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda. The Democratic Republic of Congo will receive the largest share, accounting for 85% of the doses, due to its status as the most impacted nation by the mpox virus. These vaccines are sourced from European countries, the United States, Canada, and Gavi, which supports vaccine procurement for low-income countries. In August 2024, the WHO declared mpox a global public health emergency following the emergence of a new variant, clade Ib. Following criticism over a slow response to vaccination efforts, the organization approved the Bavarian Nordic's BAVA.CO vaccine and is considering Japan's KM Biologics' LC16 as another option. Established procedures similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic have been put in place to ensure equitable access to vaccines, tests, and treatments for the world's most vulnerable populations. This proactive response aims to prevent further spread and mitigate the health crisis in the affected regions. Health authorities stress the importance of these measures in controlling the outbreak and protecting at-risk communities. The allocation of these vaccines represents a commitment to global health equity and the urgent need to respond to public health threats effectively.