WHO Expedites Mpox Vaccine Procurement for Africa Amid Outbreak

The World Health Organization allows Gavi and UNICEF to procure mpox vaccines before official approval to expedite distribution in Africa amid a growing outbreak. Two vaccines, already in use globally, await WHO's emergency licence. Concerns arise over vaccine supply for low-income countries, recalling COVID-19 distribution issues.

The World Health Organization announced on Friday that partners like Gavi and UNICEF can now purchase mpox vaccines before receiving formal approval from the U.N. health agency. This measure aims to accelerate vaccine distribution in Africa as the continent confronts an escalating outbreak of the virus.

Traditionally, organizations like Gavi were only authorized to buy vaccines post-WHO approval. However, this exception encourages quicker action in light of WHO's expected approval in the coming weeks. Two vaccines, made by Denmark's Bavarian Nordic and Japan's KM Biologics, have already received global regulatory approval and are in widespread use.

The WHO anticipates granting an emergency licence for these vaccines by mid-September after gathering necessary data. Nonetheless, Bavarian Nordic has stressed the immediate need for orders to ensure this year's vaccine production, raising alarms about potential vaccine shortfalls for lower-income countries, reminiscent of the COVID-19 crisis.

Donated mpox vaccines are expected in Africa next week, as per the Africa CDC, which estimates a need for 10 million doses. Gavi is focused on dispatching donated vaccines to affected regions and is preparing for direct procurement following public health emergency declarations.

(With inputs from agencies.)