Congo Set to Receive First Batch of Mpox Vaccines from EU

The Democratic Republic of Congo is set to receive its first batch of 100,000 mpox vaccines from the EU, marking a significant step in combating the mpox outbreak. This initiative is part of a larger EU effort to share 566,500 vaccine doses with affected African countries and support local health systems.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is set to receive its first batch of 100,000 mpox vaccines from the European Union on Thursday, the European Commission announced. This shipment marks a crucial step in controlling the mpox outbreak in Congo, which has been severely impacted by a vaccine shortage.

Congo has been at the heart of the recent mpox outbreak, declared a global public health emergency by the World Health Organization last month. Efforts to contain the disease have been hindered by a lack of vaccines. The doses being delivered were manufactured by Bavarian Nordic and are part of the EU's commitment to address the health crisis.

The European Union has pledged a total of 215,000 vaccine doses for affected African countries, with an additional 351,500 doses to be provided by at least eight EU member states, bringing the total to 566,500 doses. The EU will also support African nations by enhancing health systems, securing pharmaceutical supply chains, and fostering local manufacturing capabilities. A €9.4 million ($10.4 million) grant is planned to expand access to diagnostics and sequencing by early autumn.

(With inputs from agencies.)