The Democratic Republic of Congo is set to receive its first batch of 100,000 mpox vaccines from the European Union on Thursday, with a second shipment expected shortly thereafter, the European Commission announced.
Significance of the Delivery
This delivery is a crucial development in the fight against the mpox outbreak in Africa, with Congo being the hardest hit. The country has been facing a severe vaccine shortage, complicating efforts to contain the virus. The World Health Organization declared a global public health emergency last month in response to the outbreak, highlighting the urgent need for vaccines.
Background
As the epicenter of the recent mpox outbreak, Congo has been eagerly awaiting vaccine supplies. The vaccines, manufactured by Bavarian Nordic and donated by the EU, are part of a broader initiative to address the crisis. This support underscores the EU’s commitment to global health and crisis management.
By the Numbers
In total, the EU has committed to supplying 215,000 vaccine doses to affected African countries. Additionally, contributions from at least eight EU member states will provide a further 351,500 doses, bringing the total vaccine supply to a minimum of 566,500 doses.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, the EU plans to enhance support for affected African nations by improving health systems, securing pharmaceutical supply chains, and fostering local vaccine production. A 9.4-million-euro ($10.4 million) grant is also set to expand access to diagnostics and sequencing by early autumn, further bolstering efforts to manage the outbreak.
