Mpox Vaccine Distribution: Africa's Struggles and Global Inequity

Africa faces significant challenges in obtaining mpox vaccines, despite the disease's rapid mutation and increasing lethality. Inequity in global vaccine distribution leaves countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo vulnerable. Experts highlight the need for urgent international support and long-term healthcare investment to prevent further outbreaks.

Africa is grappling with a severe lack of mpox vaccines, exposing the stark inequity in global health resource distribution. Despite the disease's rapid mutation and escalating threat, vaccines remain scarce on the continent, underscoring the urgent need for international intervention and support.

Experts assert that the distribution challenges stem from supply issues, funding gaps, and insufficient healthcare infrastructure. Duduzile Ndwandwe from the South African Medical Research Council emphasized that the disease's lower prevalence and competing health crises exacerbate the situation, jeopardizing millions.

While countries like Nigeria recently received doses, many African nations still struggle, with vulnerable populations in DRC facing a more virulent strain. Global health authorities and organizations are now ramping up efforts to address the crisis, but long-term solutions in healthcare infrastructure are deemed essential to prevent future outbreaks.

(With inputs from agencies.)