On Friday, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a significant shift in its vaccine procurement policy to expedite the delivery of mpox vaccines to Africa. The WHO has permitted its partners, including Gavi and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), to begin purchasing mpox vaccines before formal approval by the WHO. This policy adjustment aims to accelerate vaccine distribution amid a rising outbreak of mpox on the continent.
Traditionally, organizations like Gavi, which plays a crucial role in helping lower-income countries access vaccines, must wait for WHO approval before procuring vaccines. However, in this urgent situation, the WHO has relaxed these rules to expedite the process. This change is intended to address the critical need for vaccines in Africa, where the mpox outbreak is worsening.
Currently, two vaccines for mpox, produced by Denmark’s Bavarian Nordic (BAVA.CO) and Japan’s KM Biologics, are approved and in use worldwide. The Bavarian Nordic vaccine, in particular, has been administered to approximately 1.2 million people in the United States since its approval in 2022. Both vaccines are recognized by major health regulators, including those in the United States and Japan. The WHO is expected to grant emergency use authorization for these vaccines in September.
Mpox, which spreads through close contact, is typically a mild illness but can be fatal. The disease was recently declared a public emergency of international concern by the WHO, following a rapid spread of a new variant in the Democratic Republic of Congo and surrounding regions. This designation underscores the urgency of controlling the outbreak and preventing further transmission.
Earlier this month, the WHO requested vaccine manufacturers to provide information to expedite the approval process. The organization aims to issue an emergency license by mid-September to facilitate a faster rollout of vaccines. However, Bavarian Nordic has expressed a need for immediate orders to increase vaccine production for the year, highlighting concerns that lower-income countries might face delays or dependency on uncertain donations, reminiscent of challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has indicated that some mpox vaccines will be arriving in Africa next week as part of a donation effort. This development is a positive step, but the situation remains critical, and the accelerated procurement process by Gavi and UNICEF is seen as a crucial measure to ensure timely vaccine availability and distribution.
The WHO’s decision reflects a broader strategy to streamline responses to public health emergencies and ensure that vulnerable regions receive the necessary resources without delay. As the situation evolves, continued collaboration among international health organizations, vaccine manufacturers, and donor agencies will be vital in managing the outbreak and protecting public health in affected areas.
