UNICEF has initiated an emergency tender aimed at securing mpox vaccines, formerly known as monkeypox, to help combat the recent surge of cases predominantly affecting several African nations. This escalation prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare mpox a public health emergency of international concern, echoing its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to UNICEF's recent announcement made together with partners such as the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the Gavi vaccine alliance, they plan to procure up to 12 million doses of mpox vaccine by 2025, depending on how quickly manufacturers can ramp up production. This response is particularly timely since the disease has seen significant outbreaks, affecting vulnerable populations across 12 different African countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where cases have surged this year.
Leila Pakkala, Director of UNICEF's Supply Division, underlined the urgency of addressing the current shortage of mpox vaccines, emphasizing the need to deliver these vaccines to the communities who need them most. "Addressing the current mpox vaccine shortage and delivering vaccines to communities who need them now is of utmost importance," she stated.
Africa CDC Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya also highlighted this urgency, pointing out the need for swift vaccine procurement and distribution to safeguard the most vulnerable groups. His emphasis reinforced the collective goal of the WHO and various health partners to effectively combat this viral disease.
During recent briefings, WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus expressed optimism about controlling the outbreaks. He believes coordinated strategies among governments and partners could curb the spread of mpox within six months. This asseveration speaks volumes about the concerted efforts these organizations are undertaking.
Historically, mpox was first recognized as a distinct viral disease back in 1958 among laboratory monkeys in Denmark. That said, human cases of mpox emerged years later, with the first documented human cases occurring back in 1970 across places like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The WHO recently renamed this ailment to mpox to decrease the stigma associated with its initial moniker, which many critics deemed derogatory.
Reports indicate troubling numbers across the regions. More than 18,000 mpox cases and about 629 deaths were reported this year alone, mainly from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Unfortunately, many of these cases remain classified as suspected pending laboratory confirmations. Dr. Margaret Harris, spokesperson for WHO, noted the challenges healthcare workers face amid these uncertainties.
The Africa CDC's report posited around 2,863 confirmed cases of mpox alongside approximately 517 deaths across 12 nations this year, underscoring the emergent need for vaccine assistance. Nations like Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, which previously had no recorded cases, now face serious outbreaks.
On the backdrop of this rising health crisis, the emergency tender by UNICEF aims not just for procurement but also for fast-tracking the manufacturing and deployment of the vaccines once the necessary financing, demand, and regulatory requirements are established. Specifically, UNICEF is setting up conditional supply agreements to expedite vaccine purchases, which means as soon as the manufacturers confirm their readiness, UNICEF will act quickly to fulfill the vaccine requirements for affected nations.
Previously, the WHO declared mpox outbreaks as global public health emergencies and pointed to the spread of infection from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to its neighboring countries as the catalyst for action. More than 150 confirmed mpox cases have already emerged from Burundi, indicating the dire need for increased vaccination efforts.
The collaboration between UNICEF, the WHO, and other key partners indicates the seriousness with which these organizations are tackling mpox. The launch of this emergency procurement process reflects their commitment to protecting health and well-being among those at greatest risk during this increasingly urgent situation.
Efforts continue with the hope of turning the tide against mpox outbreaks, showing the importance of coordinated global health initiatives. Such actions are pivotal for public health leaders who aim to stave off larger outbreaks stemming from infectious diseases, reaffirming the necessity of availability and access to vaccines for the global population.
