DR Congo To Receive Mpox Vaccines Soon For New Virus Strain Battle: WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO) chief announced on Friday that mpox vaccines would soon arrive in the Democratic Republic of Congo to combat a new strain of the virus. "We hope to have the first delivery in the next few days, and then it will build up," Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated during a press conference.

Earlier this month, the WHO declared mpox a global public health emergency due to an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo that spread to neighbouring countries. So far this year, over 18,000 suspected cases and 629 deaths have been reported in Congo, with more than 150 confirmed cases in Burundi, according to Tedros.

The WHO is currently reviewing applications for emergency licences for two vaccines produced by Bavarian Nordic and Japan's KM Biologics. Tedros mentioned these approvals are expected within the next two weeks. The organisation has also allowed its partners to purchase mpox vaccines before they receive U.N. health agency approval, aiming to expedite inoculations in Africa.

Rosamund Lewis, the WHO technical lead for mpox, expressed optimism that vaccines and other health interventions would help reduce cases soon. An mpox diagnostic manufacturer has shown interest in obtaining WHO's emergency use listing for their kit shortly after the agency opened the process, Tedros noted without naming the company.

WHO official Tim Nguyen revealed that approximately 230,000 mpox doses are ready for immediate dispatch. These doses were donated by the European Commission and Danish vaccine manufacturer Bavarian Nordic (BAVA.CO), Nguyen told reporters as quoted by Reuters.

Tedros highlighted that these efforts are part of a broader strategy to address the outbreak swiftly. The goal is to ensure timely access to vaccines and other necessary medical supplies to curb the spread of mpox effectively.

The WHO's proactive measures reflect its commitment to mitigating public health emergencies through rapid response and collaboration with international partners. This approach aims to safeguard populations at risk and prevent further escalation of the virus across regions.

With inputs from WAM