Monkeypox Vaccine Breakthrough: Global Alliance Unleashes 500,000 Doses to Africa in Historic First
Agencies – Organizations
Gavi’s Efforts to Combat Smallpox Outbreak in Africa
The UK Guardian reported today (September 18) that demand for the smallpox vaccine is estimated at 10 million doses, but in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the number of cases is high, only 100,000 doses had been received by the beginning of this month. This despite at least 700 deaths from the disease this year and 22,000 cases of the Clade 1b strain.
Neighboring countries, including Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya, have also reported a handful of cases, highlighting the need for a coordinated response to the outbreak.
“We are committed to working with relevant governments and our partners to move from these vaccines to therapeutics as quickly and efficiently as possible, and in time to build a global stockpile if there is sufficient funding to support Gavi’s work through to 2030.”
Dr. Sania Nishtar, Director of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has taken a significant step in addressing the smallpox outbreak in Africa by using its First Response Fund to purchase 500,000 doses of smallpox vaccine. This marks the first time the fund has been used to purchase vaccines for medical emergencies.
The organization has also announced plans to access the First Response Fund to purchase additional vaccines, valued at approximately $50 million, to support its efforts in combating the outbreak.
Meanwhile, the world’s rich nations, including Japan, the United States, and Canada, have millions of doses of monkeypox vaccine in stockpiles, with only a tiny percentage donated to help stop deadly outbreaks in Africa.
Britain has ordered 150,000 doses of vaccine in preparation for the new strain, while Bavarian Nordic Pharmaceuticals, the owner of the smallpox vaccine, has praised the deal, stating it will “massively increase” the number of vaccines available in Africa.
Gavi has reiterated its commitment to securing sufficient funding to build a global vaccine stockpile, ensuring that it can respond effectively to future outbreaks.