Mpox Vaccine Allocation: 9 Countries, 899,000 Doses

Africa's Mpox Fight Gets Boost with Vaccine Allocation

The mpox outbreak, driven by the viral strain clade Ib, was declared a public health emergency of...

Mpox outbreak: 899,000 vaccine doses distributed to Central African Republic, Cote d'Ivoire, DRC, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health organizations have allocated up to 899,000 vaccine doses to nine African countries severely affected by the mpox outbreak. These countries include the Central African Republic, Cote d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda.

The mpox outbreak, driven by the viral strain clade Ib, was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the WHO and a public health emergency of continental security by Africa CDC in August. This year, 19 African countries have reported mpox cases, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo being the epicenter, accounting for over 38,000 suspected cases and 1,000 deaths.

Vaccination is a crucial part of the comprehensive mpox response strategy, alongside timely testing, effective clinical care, infection prevention, and community engagement. The allocated doses come from Canada, Gavi, the European Union, and the United States.

Vaccine Allocation Breakdown:

Largest Allocation: 85% of doses go to the Democratic Republic of the Congo 

Vaccine Suppliers: Canada, Gavi, European Union, and United States 

Total Expected Doses: Over 5.85 million by the end of 2024 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched an initiative to provide mpox vaccines, tests, and treatments to vulnerable populations in low-income countries, similar to its COVID-19 response efforts. This program, called the Access and Allocation Mechanism (AAM), aims to ensure fair and effective distribution of limited vaccine doses to control outbreaks.

Nine African countries will receive an initial allocation of 899,000 vaccine doses. These countries are:

Central African Republic

Cote d'Ivoire

Democratic Republic of Congo (receiving 85% of allocated doses)

• Kenya
• Liberia
• Nigeria
• Rwanda
• South Africa
• Uganda

The Democratic Republic of Congo has been hardest hit, reporting over 38,000 suspected cases and 1,000 deaths this year.

Vaccine doses have been donated by Canada, Gavi, the European Union, and the United States. The allocation marks a significant step towards coordinated vaccine deployment to combat mpox outbreaks. Further vaccine allocations are expected by year-end.