Mpox, once primarily known as monkeypox, has rapidly evolved from obscure to urgent health crisis, particularly across African nations. The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised its alarm, declaring the current mpox outbreak as a global public health emergency for the second time within just two years. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), currently at the heart of this outbreak, has reported alarming statistics: nearly 22,000 cases and over 700 deaths linked to the virus since January. This rapid spread has heightened concerns about vaccine availability and distribution, amplifying pressures on already strained healthcare infrastructures.
The situation is particularly grim because, as noted by health experts, most of the affected African nations either do not produce the necessary vaccines or have limited capacity to manufacture them. Despite the DRC’s significant population of about 100 million, vaccine production capabilities remain woefully inadequate; Africa currently produces less than two percent of its own vaccine requirements, leaving many nations reliant on foreign donations.
Following the global support during the COVID-19 pandemic, once more, Africa is facing vaccine inequity. Promises of aid have come from various countries, including Canada, Spain, Germany, and the U.S., but logistical failures and delays hinder proper distribution of the aid. Canada has pledged to donate up to 200,000 doses, Germany has committed 100,000 doses from military stocks, and the U.S. plans to donate 50,000 doses alongside financial support for distribution efforts. The European Union has also confirmed it would send around 215,000 doses as part of its response plan.
Many African nations, battered by past health crises and economic inequalities, hear the echo of “vaccine nationalism” once again. This issue, highlighted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, refers to wealthier nations prioritizing their internal populations over those of developing countries. Critics argue this has left African nations at the mercy of international goodwill, struggling to manage outbreaks due to delayed vaccine deliveries.
Dr. Jean Kaseya, head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), has urged Western nations to demonstrate genuine commitment and learn from past mistakes, emphasizing the need for solidarity rather than abandonment. Kaseya pointedly remarked, “We don’t want to come back again tomorrow to say, you again abandoned Africa,” highlighting the fractured relationship between wealthier and developing nations, especially during health crises.
The WHO's predicament mirrors the pressing global health theme of improbable access to vaccines, much like the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the WHO, the response from developed nations has been tardy, emphasizing the need for proactive measures rather than reactionary donations post-outbreak.
Despite the promises of support, African countries still face significant barriers. The health infrastructure lacks capacity, with many nations unable to produce even enough vaccines for their populations. For example, only Japan and Denmark have local manufacturers capable of producing mpox vaccines, and donations from these countries have also faced delays due to administrative bottlenecks. Japan, for example, was set to send doses to the DRC but postponed its delivery due to internal delays.
The urgent call for developing vaccine production capabilities lies at the forefront of discussions. Will African nations continue to lean heavily on external support, or will they take collective action to bolster their infrastructures and capacities? Nations like South Africa, with manufacturers like Afrigen, are already mapping paths to boost production through mRNA technologies, but these require time and resources to take shape.
Historically, Africa faces challenges with bio-manufacturing and regulatory frameworks. Currently, vaccine production is concentrated among fewer than ten manufacturers on the continent, and many facilities are underfunded and incapable of meeting emergency demands. The lack of investment slows production capacity. Analysts point out the need for financial commitment to upgrade facilities and processes, indicating the urgency to mobilize resources now.
One major hurdle remains: the regulatory environment surrounding vaccine production. Many African nations do not possess the structural frameworks to comply with international regulatory standards, which severely undermines their ability to meet global expectations for vaccine quality. Ensuring strict adherence to quality and safety standards is integral for these manufacturers to serve both local populations and potential international markets.
Still, the dire state of public health calls for immediate action. NGOs and health organizations within the region, like Doctors Without Borders, have been vocal about urgent interventional needs. They warn the longer governments wait to distribute vaccines effectively, the more fatalities will compound, illustrating the exponential risk posed by infectious diseases and their potential to mutate if left unchecked.
Local efforts to ramp up vaccine dissemination are underway. For example, the DRC’s government is collaborating with international organizations, alongside recent pledges of substantial vaccine donations. Nevertheless, addressing vaccine hesitance among the population is also pivotal, and significant public health education needs to accompany these efforts.
Critically, the international community must work to unite on this front; beyond mere financial aid, there needs to be collaborative governance around health strategies and shared interests. Africa CDC's goal for continent-wide vaccine independence is ambitious. The AU has set targets for Africa to produce 60 percent of its vaccine requirements by 2040, but this will necessitate not only investment and technology transfer but also communal political will.
What must not slip away from attention is the necessity of real-time responses when health emergencies flare; delay costs lives. The disappointing execution of vaccine supplies during the COVID era offers glaring lessons. If the global community truly seeks to create equitable public health systems, Africa's vaccine sovereignty must be prioritized. The health of the continent—and the world—depends on concerted, transparent, and collaborative efforts.
With the mpox outbreak still raging across parts of Africa, the narratives of apathy and inequity arising from previous crises must transform. Are we witnessing another chapter where inequitable access to health tools becomes the norm, or will the world collectively rise to restore faith and solidarity with Africa’s health aspirations? Only time will tell.
