Delay in Mpox Vaccine Shipment to Congo Amid Escalating Outbreak

The Democratic Republic of Congo will not receive its first delivery of mpox vaccines this week, despite previous expectations. The delay comes as the country faces a new variant of the virus and awaits further steps, including regulatory guidance from Danish drugmaker Bavaria Nordic.

The Democratic Republic of Congo will not receive its first delivery of mpox vaccines this week, as initially expected. This development comes amid Congo's ongoing struggle with a new variant of the virus that has transcended borders.

The World Health Organization had declared mpox a global public health emergency on Aug. 14, prompting Congo's anticipation of vaccine doses by this week following support promises from the United States and Japan. However, Cris Kacita, the head of Congo's response team, revealed that multiple procedural steps still need to be addressed.

Specifically, Congo's pharmaceutical regulatory agency must consult with Danish drugmaker Bavaria Nordic for guidelines before the vaccines' arrival. Bavaria Nordic has committed to producing 10 million doses by 2025, with 2 million available this year. The much-anticipated doses aim to rectify the disparity in vaccine distribution that saw African nations left without access during the 2022 global mpox outbreak.

(With inputs from agencies.)