Mpox Vaccines Delayed Despite WHO, Africa CDC Talks

In a concerning development, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have revealed that effective mpox (monkeypox) vaccines are likely months away, even as the outbreak continues to spread. This news comes despite ongoing discussions around potentially declaring an emergency to accelerate the response.

The mpox outbreak, which has affected over 80 countries worldwide, has been particularly concerning in Africa, where the disease is endemic. The WHO and Africa CDC have been working closely to coordinate a regional response, but the availability of vaccines remains a critical obstacle.

According to the Reuters report, the WHO and Africa CDC are in talks about potentially declaring an emergency, which could help unlock additional resources and coordination. However, even if such a declaration is made, the experts caution that it will still take months before the necessary vaccines are available.

This delay is largely due to the limited production capacity and distribution challenges associated with the existing mpox vaccines. The Jynneos vaccine, which has been approved for use in the United States and Europe, is in high demand globally, and the supply is currently unable to meet the growing need.

Furthermore, the report highlights the disparities in access to these vaccines, with wealthier nations securing the majority of the available doses. This inequitable distribution has raised concerns about the ability of lower-income countries, particularly in Africa, to effectively respond to the outbreak.

The WHO and Africa CDC are working to address these challenges, exploring options such as local vaccine production and equitable distribution mechanisms. However, the road ahead remains uncertain, and public health experts have warned that the delay in vaccine availability could lead to a further escalation of the mpox crisis.

As the world grapples with this evolving public health threat, the need for a coordinated and comprehensive response has never been more urgent. The delay in vaccine availability underscores the importance of strengthening global health systems and ensuring equitable access to critical medical resources.