Countries Donate Mpox Vaccines to Combat Outbreak in Africa

Countries have pledged to donate mpox vaccine doses to address an outbreak in Africa, following the WHO’s declaration of a global public health emergency in August, Reuters reported yesterday.

The Democratic Republic of Congo, the outbreak’s epicenter, launched its first vaccination campaign on October 5.

Canada will donate up to 200,000 doses, while France has committed 100,000 doses based on local needs. Germany is donating 100,000 doses from military stocks. Japan leads with a pledge of 3 million doses of its LC16 vaccine. Spain will provide 500,000 doses, representing 20% of its stockpile.

The U.S. has promised 1 million doses and $500 million to support African nations, having already delivered 10,000 doses to Nigeria and 50,000 to Congo. The EU and member states are contributing at least 566,500 doses. Additionally, Gavi plans to purchase 500,000 doses, and Bavarian Nordic has an agreement with UNICEF for 1 million doses for Africa.