New York, Sept. 1: UNICEF, in collaboration with Africa CDC, Gavi, and the World Health Organization (WHO), has issued an urgent request to secure mpox vaccines for countries severely affected by the outbreak. This move aims to quickly supply vaccines to areas in critical need.

The emergency tender involves setting up agreements with vaccine manufacturers, allowing UNICEF to purchase and deliver vaccines without delay once funding, demand, and regulatory approvals are confirmed. Depending on production capacity, up to 12 million doses could be secured through 2025.

This action comes in response to a severe mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has reported over 18,000 suspected cases and 629 deaths this year alone. The outbreak has also spread to neighboring countries, prompting the WHO to declare mpox a global health emergency.

Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, emphasized the need for swift and equitable distribution of vaccines across the continent. Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove of WHO stressed that a coordinated global effort is essential to prevent the disease from spreading further and becoming an even greater threat.

In addition to securing vaccines, the partnership aims to increase vaccine production and facilitate donations from wealthier countries. UNICEF is also deploying critical supplies, such as protective gear, testing kits, and treatment materials, to help manage the outbreak in the hardest-hit areas.

Vaccines are seen as a crucial tool in interrupting the transmission of mpox and protecting vulnerable communities. With this initiative, UNICEF and its partners are working to ensure that vaccines and other vital resources reach those who need them most, as quickly as possible.-Agencies