WHO Approves First Mpox Vaccine by Bavarian Nordic

The World Health Organization has pre-qualified Bavarian Nordic's vaccine as the first mpox vaccine. This approval serves as an important step in combating the viral infection, particularly in developing countries. The WHO highlighted its significance in curbing current and future outbreaks.

The World Health Organization has officially cleared Bavarian Nordic's vaccine as the first shot against mpox, marking a significant milestone in the global fight against the disease.

This approval, known as a pre-qualification, serves as an official list of medicines used as a benchmark for procurement by developing countries. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of this first pre-qualification in addressing both current outbreaks in Africa and future challenges.

Mpox, a viral infection that spreads through close contact and is often mild but can be fatal, was declared a public emergency of international concern by the WHO last month.

(With inputs from agencies.)