WHO Approves First Mpox Vaccine to Combat Disease in Africa: A Significant Step Forward in 2024

WHO has approved the first mpox vaccine, a critical step in controlling the disease’s spread in Africa. Understanding global efforts to combat the outbreak.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has taken a crucial step in controlling the spread of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) by approving the first vaccine for the disease. Bavarian Nordic’s vaccine, Jynneos, has been given prequalification status, which means United Nations agencies can now purchase and distribute the vaccine to the most affected regions, including many low-income countries in Africa. This marks a pivotal development in the global effort to combat mpox, which has disproportionately affected African nations, especially children.

WHO’s Approval of the Mpox Vaccine: A Lifesaving Decision

The recent approval of Bavarian Nordic’s Jynneos vaccine is an important milestone in global health. Jynneos, already authorized in the United States for mpox, has now gained WHO prequalification, meaning it is recognized as meeting international standards of quality and safety. This decision enables organizations such as the United Nations and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to coordinate vaccine procurement and distribution to regions in dire need of mpox prevention tools.

The WHO is also reviewing another vaccine option, LC16, manufactured by Japan’s KM Biologics, which could provide an additional resource in the fight against the disease. Both vaccines are seen as critical in controlling mpox outbreaks, especially in Africa, where the disease has claimed numerous lives, many of them children.

How the Mpox Vaccine Will Be Administered

According to WHO guidelines, the mpox vaccine will be administered as a two-dose regimen, specifically designed for individuals aged 18 and above. In emergency outbreak situations, however, the vaccine could be extended to children, infants, and adolescents—though it is not yet licensed for individuals under 18. This flexibility is crucial in regions where children are disproportionately affected, like the Congo, where 70% of mpox cases involve children under 15 years of age. In these high-risk areas, the benefits of vaccination are likely to outweigh the risks, making it an essential part of outbreak response efforts.

Urgency for Increased Vaccine Distribution in Africa

The approval of the mpox vaccine comes at a critical time for the African continent, which has been grappling with the brunt of the disease. Africa’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has reported alarming statistics, showing that 85% of deaths from mpox in the Congo occur among children under 15. The need for a robust vaccine distribution plan is evident, and WHO’s approval is a step in the right direction.

WHO’s Director-General has emphasized the urgency for increased vaccine procurement and donations, calling for global coordination to ensure that the vaccine reaches those most in need. The effort will involve significant financial support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which has pledged up to $500 million to fund vaccine purchases for low-income countries. This funding is essential to ensure equitable access to vaccines, particularly in regions where healthcare infrastructure is weak, and populations are most vulnerable.

The Importance of a Continental Response Plan

Africa CDC, in collaboration with WHO, recently launched a continental response plan to tackle the growing mpox crisis. This initiative is designed to streamline efforts across African nations, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and that vaccines are delivered to the areas with the highest number of cases. In the past week alone, Africa CDC reported 107 new deaths and 3,160 new cases, underlining the critical need for rapid intervention.

The response plan will also focus on public health education and the distribution of necessary medical supplies, such as vaccines and diagnostic tools, to ensure that communities understand the importance of vaccination and how to prevent further outbreaks. By focusing on both prevention and treatment, Africa CDC and WHO are aiming to curb the spread of mpox before it escalates further.

Challenges in Vaccine Distribution and Access

While the WHO approval is a significant step forward, there are still many challenges to overcome in ensuring the mpox vaccine reaches the people who need it most. Africa, in particular, faces unique obstacles, including limited healthcare infrastructure, geographic barriers, and vaccine hesitancy.

To address these issues, WHO and Africa CDC must continue to work closely with governments, NGOs, and local health authorities to strengthen vaccine distribution networks. This will involve not only the logistical aspects of getting vaccines to remote areas but also addressing misinformation and building trust within communities to increase vaccine acceptance.

Looking Ahead: A Coordinated Global Effort

With the approval of the Jynneos vaccine, the global community is better equipped to tackle the growing mpox threat. However, the battle is far from over. For vaccine distribution efforts to succeed, there must be continued international collaboration, increased donations, and strategic planning. WHO’s call for urgent action should resonate across the world, encouraging wealthier nations to step up and support Africa’s fight against mpox.

As the vaccine rollout progresses, the hope is that the mortality rate—especially among children—will decrease significantly, providing relief to the communities most affected by this disease. This marks an opportunity for the global community to unite in ensuring that no region is left behind in the fight against mpox.