UNICEF has initiated an emergency tender to secure up to 12 million doses of mpox vaccines by 2025, focusing on African countries most severely impacted by the virus. This move comes in response to a significant rise in mpox cases, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to classify the outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern.
The urgency of this tender is underscored by the alarming statistics released by the WHO: over 18,000 cases of mpox have been reported this year alone, with 629 deaths recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). Additionally, confirmed cases of mpox have been rising across 12 African countries, raising concerns about the spread and impact of the disease on vulnerable communities.
UNICEF, in collaboration with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), is spearheading this vaccine procurement effort to ensure that the most affected populations receive timely and adequate protection. Leaders from both organizations have emphasized the critical need for swift vaccine distribution to curb the spread of mpox and mitigate its devastating effects on public health.
The success of this vaccine initiative will largely depend on the production capabilities of vaccine manufacturers. The WHO has committed to expediting the review process for the Emergency Use Listing of these vaccines, with evaluations expected to be completed by mid-September. This timeline is crucial to ensuring that vaccines are made available and accessible to those who need them most, particularly in regions where health resources are already stretched thin.
UNICEF's emergency tender represents a vital step in the global effort to control the mpox outbreak and prevent further loss of life. As the world watches, the timely and efficient execution of this initiative will be key to safeguarding the health and well-being of millions across Africa.
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