Vaccines to stop Mpox outbreak could delay for months

The emergence of a new Mpox variant causing outbreaks in eastern Congo’s refugee camps and spreading to neighboring countries like Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, and Kenya signals a worrying escalation in the situation.

The fact that this variant is spreading to new regions, including Ivory Coast and South Africa, linked to a different strain from the 2022 global outbreak, further complicates containment efforts.

The vaccines used during the 2022 outbreak—Bavarian Nordic’s Jynneos and LC16 by KM Biologics—are critical tools in managing the spread. However, their absence in Congo and other African nations, despite Mpox being endemic there for decades, reflects a significant gap in global health equity.

The approval of these vaccines by Congo’s regulators in June was a crucial step, yet the government’s delay in requesting them from manufacturers or international donors like Gavi is a missed opportunity in the fight against this outbreak.

LC16, being the only vaccine approved for use in children, is especially important given the high number of Mpox-related deaths among children in Congo.

The lack of access to these vaccines means that vulnerable populations, particularly in refugee camps, are at increased risk. The rapid spread of the virus across multiple countries highlights the need for immediate action.

The government’s inaction could be due to a variety of factors, including logistical challenges, lack of awareness, or bureaucratic hurdles.

However, with the virus spreading rapidly and the international community already alerted to the crisis, it’s critical that Congo and other affected countries act swiftly to secure vaccine supplies.

Engaging with global health organizations, manufacturers, and donors like the United States through Gavi is essential to expedite the procurement and distribution of vaccines.

This situation also underscores the need for a more proactive global response to ensure that vaccines and other medical resources are distributed equitably, especially in regions where the disease is endemic.

Without immediate intervention, the outbreak could further destabilize already vulnerable populations and potentially spread beyond the current affected areas.