Africa Awaits Crucial Mpox Vaccines Amid Global Healthcare Inequity

The first 10,000 mpox vaccines are set to arrive in Africa, highlighting delays caused by global healthcare inequities. Despite the virus's long-term impact on the continent, vaccine distribution has been slow, prompting criticism of the WHO. Rich countries have prioritized their populations, leaving African nations to seek donations.

The first 10,000 mpox vaccines are set to arrive in Africa next week, marking a critical juncture in the fight against a dangerous new virus strain that has alarmed health officials globally. This development underscores significant delays caused by global healthcare inequities, learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite mpox affecting Africa for decades, vaccines have been slow to reach the continent. The World Health Organization (WHO) only began the approval process needed for vaccine access this month. This gap has forced African nations to rely on donations and navigate complex international cooperation, slowing down efforts to curb the disease's spread.

The United States has donated the initial batch of vaccines, but these are not directed towards the hardest-hit regions like Congo. Public health experts call this situation 'outrageous,' as similar issues were observed during the COVID pandemic. Comprehensive strategies, including awareness and better diagnostics, are essential to combat mpox effectively.

(With inputs from agencies.)