Health Reporter
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has issued an emergency tender to secure mpox vaccines for crisis-hit countries, in collaboration with the Gavi vaccine alliance, Africa CDC, and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The joint effort aims to procure up to 12 million doses through 2025, depending on manufacturer production capacity.
“This emergency tender will enable us to quickly respond to the mpox outbreak and protect vulnerable populations,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.
“We are working closely with our partners to ensure timely and equitable access to vaccines.”
The tender will establish conditional supply agreements with vaccine manufacturers, allowing UNICEF to purchase and ship vaccines without delay once financing, demand, readiness, and regulatory requirements are confirmed.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating,
“The Mpox outbreak is a global public health emergency that requires swift action. We are reviewing applications for emergency licenses for two vaccines and expect to complete the review by mid-September.”
The collaboration will also facilitate vaccine donations from high-income countries, with the goal of supporting affected countries, particularly in Africa.
As of now, over 18,000 suspected cases of Mpox have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with 629 deaths, and cases have been confirmed in Burundi, Sweden, and Thailand.
“The situation is dire, and we must act quickly to contain the outbreak,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
“Vaccines are a critical tool in this fight, and we must ensure equitable access to protect those most at risk.”
So far Zimbabwe has not recorded any case of the deadly virus.
Zim GBC News©2024