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WHO urges rapid vaccine production against Mpox virus spread
The WHO urgently calls for increased production of Mpox vaccines and calls for support to affected countries.
WHO urges rapid vaccine production against Mpox virus spread
Global measures to combat the Mpox epidemic
The spread of the Mpox virus, previously known as monkeypox, poses an increased health risk worldwide. The situation is particularly alarming in several African countries. The latest appeals from the World Health Organization (WHO) to double vaccine production against the virus provide guidance.
WHO calls for faster production and return of vaccine supplies
The WHO has called for the production of Mpox vaccines to be significantly increased. WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris said manufacturers were urged to “really ramp up” production to increase vaccine availability and ease access for affected regions. Countries that have vaccine stocks should also willingly distribute them to countries affected by the current outbreaks.
The critical situation in Africa and virus strand 1b
There is particular concern about variant 1b of the Mpox virus, which is circulating in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other African countries. Since the beginning of the year, the Congolese government has already registered over 15,600 suspected cases of infection and 548 deaths. Experts warn that the situation could quickly deteriorate if immediate action is not taken.
Availability of vaccines and international obligations
The Danish-German manufacturer Bavarian Nordic currently has a stockpile of 500,000 doses of its vaccine MVA-BN, which is available under the name Imvanex. In addition, an additional 2.4 million doses could be produced quickly if necessary. Another vaccine, LC16, is being manufactured for the government in Japan. Here, too, there is sufficient supply so that the WHO is already in contact with the Japanese authorities to enable distribution.
Doctors Without Borders and the challenge of affordability
The aid organization Doctors Without Borders has also stressed the obligation of countries with vaccine stocks to donate as many doses as possible to affected countries in Africa. Particular attention is paid to the cost of the MVA-BN vaccine, which is unaffordable for many countries affected by the epidemic. The organization is therefore calling on Bavarian Nordic to reduce prices in order to make access to the vaccines easier.
Symptoms and transmission routes of the Mpox virus
Mpox can be transmitted both from animals and from person to person, particularly through close contact such as sexual intercourse. Typical symptoms include pustules reminiscent of smallpox, fever and body aches. Given the looming global health crisis, a comprehensive and solidarity-based international response is needed to stop the spread of the virus and support affected communities.