WHO Grants First Mpox Vaccine Approval for Use in Africa

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the first mpox vaccine, developed by Danish manufacturer Bavarian Nordic.

 This approval is a significant step in addressing the ongoing outbreak in Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Vaccine Details:

- The vaccine, initially approved in Europe and North America during the 2022 global mpox outbreak, is now authorized for use in people aged 18 and older with a two-dose regimen.

- There is limited evidence for its use in children, but it may be administered in outbreak settings where benefits outweigh risks.

Current Situation:

- The outbreak in the DRC has led to thousands of cases, with nearly 70% of infections and 85% of deaths occurring in children under 15.

- The WHO reports over 103,000 cases globally and 723 deaths in Africa as of the latest update.

Supply and Distribution:

- Due to a single manufacturer, vaccine supplies are limited.

- The European Union, several member countries, the United States, and Bavarian Nordic plan to donate 620,000 doses, while Japan will provide 3 million doses of the LC16 vaccine.

- As of last week, Congo had received only 250,000 doses.

Calls to Action:

- WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the need for urgent scaling up of vaccine procurement, donations, and rollout.

- The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) estimates that around 10 million doses may be needed to control outbreaks across the continent.

Mpox is related to smallpox but typically causes milder symptoms such as fever, chills, and body aches.

- Recent data shows 107 new deaths and 3,160 new cases in the past week, which Africa CDC chief Dr. Jean Kaseya has deeed “not acceptable.”