The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with health organizations, announced Wednesday the allocation of 899,000 mpox vaccine doses for nine African countries hardest hit by a surge in cases. The countries receiving the vaccines include the Central African Republic, Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda.
The largest share, 85% of the vaccines, will go to the DRC, which has seen the most severe outbreak. The current mpox surge, driven by the clade Ib variant, prompted WHO to declare a global public health emergency for the virus in August.
In response to criticism over delays, WHO approved the Bavarian Nordic mpox vaccine in September and is considering Japan’s KM Biologics’ LC16 vaccine as an option. Similar to efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, the WHO established a scheme to bring vaccines, tests, and treatments to vulnerable populations in low-income countries.
The vaccines are sourced from European nations, the United States, Canada, and Gavi, a public-private alliance that helps fund vaccines for low-income countries. WHO reports indicate over 46,000 confirmed and suspected mpox cases and more than 1,000 deaths in Africa this year, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
