Global health organization substantiates initial Mpox vaccine for expedited distribution
For the first time, the World Health Organization (WHO) has given its seal of approval to an Mpox vaccine. This approval, known as prequalification, allows UN organizations to purchase and distribute the vaccine, which is MVA-BN from Danish-German company Bavarian Nordic. As of now, two other Mpox vaccines, LC-16 and ACAM2000, are still under review, as announced by the organization in Geneva. The vaccine is already in use in countries with their own regulatory bodies that have conducted safety and efficacy trials, like the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The WHO issued the highest alert level and declared a "public health emergency of international concern" (PHEIC) in August due to numerous Mpox outbreaks in Africa. Since the start of the year, around 25,000 suspected cases and 723 deaths have been reported from 14 African countries. The WHO is worried about a new variant that has been spreading in eastern Congo and neighboring countries since the end of 2023. European authorities believe the risk of Mpox spreading in Europe is relatively low.
Detailed analyses are still being conducted, but experts are not ruling out the possibility that the variant could be more contagious and cause more severe symptoms than previous variants. Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is characterized by a skin rash, fever, and muscle aches, and can be deadly, particularly for young children.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged wealthier countries to contribute funds to purchase additional vaccines. For prequalification, the WHO reviews company data on safety and efficacy, and checks if high-standard production procedures are being followed.
As per the current data, a single dose of the MVA-BN vaccine offers 76% protection against infection, the WHO explained. With two doses, this protection increases to 82%.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus questioned who will ensure equitable access to the Mpox vaccine, highlighting the need for more vaccines to be made available, especially in regions most affected by the outbreak. After the WHO's approval, it is crucial for UN organizations to procure and distribute the Mpox vaccine to countries in need, ensuring that no one is left behind.
