UNICEF's Emergency Initiative: Securing Mpox Vaccines for Crisis-hit Nations

UNICEF, in collaboration with Gavi, Africa CDC, and the WHO, has issued an emergency tender for up to 12 million doses of mpox vaccines by 2025. This initiative aims to address the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has spread to neighboring countries, with 18,000 suspected cases and 629 deaths reported so far.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has announced an emergency tender to secure mpox vaccines for nations in crisis, collaborating with Gavi, Africa CDC, and the World Health Organization.

The initiative could see agreements for up to 12 million doses by 2025, depending on manufacturers' production capacity. UNICEF will establish conditional supply agreements, allowing swift vaccine procurement and shipment upon confirming financing, demand, readiness, and regulatory requirements.

The move follows the WHO's declaration of mpox as a global public health emergency after an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo spread to neighboring regions. Over 18,000 suspected cases and 629 deaths have been reported in Congo, while Burundi has confirmed more than 150 cases.

(With inputs from agencies.)