The World Health Organization (WHO) is expected to announce its decision regarding the emergency use listing (EUL) of the mpox vaccine within the next three weeks. This announcement was made by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday at the start of the WHO Africa regional conference. Dr. Tedros stated that the vaccine manufacturer had submitted all the necessary data for consideration last Friday.
Dr. Tedros explained, “The WHO will decide on whether to issue an emergency use listing (EUL) for an mpox vaccine within three weeks after its manufacturer supplied the global body with all the required information.”
The EUL process was created by the WHO to accelerate the review and authorization of vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments in response to public health emergencies. According to Dr. Tedros, approximately $135 million will be needed to contain the ongoing mpox outbreaks in Africa, requiring a “complex, comprehensive, and coordinated international response.”
The WHO has faced criticism for what some perceive as a delay in reviewing mpox vaccines that have already been approved in Europe and the United States. This delay has left African countries reliant on donated vaccines. For instance, Germany plans to supply 100,000 doses of the mpox vaccine from its military stockpile to African countries facing severe outbreaks. However, major vaccine procurement organizations in Africa, such as Gavi and UNICEF, cannot purchase vaccines without an EUL or full approval from the WHO.
The EUL process is designed to expedite the approval of unlicensed medical products during public health emergencies. Independent medical experts have recommended two vaccines for consideration: Emergent BioSolutions’ ACAM2000 and Bavarian Nordic’s Jynneos (also known as MVA).
In recent weeks, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda have reported over 220 cases of the clade 1b mpox virus, despite having no previous reports of the disease. The WHO has highlighted raising public awareness about mpox transmission as a key strategy. The virus primarily spreads through close contact, including skin-to-skin and respiratory contact, as well as contact with contaminated items like clothing or linens.
The WHO advises people, particularly those with multiple sexual partners, to take steps to reduce their risk of infection. The organization emphasized that mpox primarily spreads through close contact with infected individuals, including household members. Healthcare workers and those living in close quarters are especially vulnerable.
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for differentiating mpox from other viruses with similar symptoms, such as chickenpox or herpes. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is the most reliable method for diagnosis, especially using samples from rashes. Additionally, due to the higher risk of co-infections, individuals diagnosed with mpox should also consider HIV testing.
The primary goal of treatment for mpox is to manage symptoms and prevent complications through supportive care. Although no proven antiviral treatments for mpox currently exist, several are being evaluated in clinical trials and have been approved for emergency use. WHO experts have emphasized the importance of continuing therapeutic evaluations in rigorous clinical trials and optimizing supportive care for patients.
To prevent infection, the WHO recommends vaccinating high-risk groups, including healthcare workers, individuals with multiple sexual partners, and those in close contact with infected persons. They also suggest post-exposure prophylaxis, advising that vaccines be administered within four days of exposure to reduce the likelihood of developing the disease.
For those who contract mpox, the WHO recommends self-care practices to aid recovery and prevent transmission. These measures include isolating in well-ventilated areas, covering skin lesions, wearing masks around others, and avoiding scratching or popping blisters to prevent secondary infections. Infected individuals should also practice good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and disinfecting shared spaces.
The WHO advises individuals with mpox to isolate at home following guidance from their healthcare provider, or to be hospitalized if necessary, for the duration of the infectious period. The organization also recommends avoiding sexual activity during high transmission periods and suggests using condoms as a precaution, even after recovery.