In response to monkeypox(Mpox)
On Aug. 14, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox (previously called monkeypox) as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) due to the rising infection rates observed in African countries. The International Health Regulations Emergency Committee, consisting of independent experts, has provided guidance to the World Health Organization regarding the extent of concern regarding the virus's transmission and its potential to reach other continents.
In July 2022, there was a multi-country outbreak of mpox that was declared a PHEIC. However, in May 2023, the PHEIC was declared over as there was a sustained decline in global cases. A new strain of mpox, known as clade 1b, has recently emerged and is spreading quickly.
When the initial PHEIC was announced for mpox in 2022 due to a less severe strain of the virus, the bio/pharma industry promptly stepped up and efficiently applied the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Bavarian Nordic, a key player in the 2022 outbreak, is once again demonstrating its value by generously donating 40,000 doses of its mpox vaccine to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Paul Chaplin, president and chief executive officer of Bavarian Nordic, emphasized the urgent need for action from the international community as Mpox continues to rapidly spread in Africa, according to a press release.
The 40,000 vaccines from Bavarian Nordic will be included in a larger donation of 215,000 doses, which will be provided by the European Commission’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority. Additionally, there is a growing demand for vaccines, prompting the World Health Organization to initiate the Emergency-Use Listing process for mpox vaccines. They have also begun collaborating with countries and vaccine manufacturers to explore potential donations.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of WHO, expressed deep concern over the emergence and rapid spread of a new clade of mpox in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as the reporting of cases in several neighboring countries. "Given the occurrence of various mpox clades in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other African countries, it is evident that a well-coordinated global effort is necessary to effectively contain these outbreaks and protect lives."
Source: World Health Organization, Bavarian Nordic, European Commission
