The European Union has pledged to donate at least 215,000 vaccine doses to Africa to combat the Mpox outbreak.
The European Commission announced on Wednesday that it will procure 175,420 doses of the MVA-BN Mpox vaccine, which is approved for use in the EU for individuals aged 18 and above.
Additionally, Bavarian Nordic, the vaccine’s manufacturer, has promised to donate a further 40,000 doses to the EU’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority.
The statement said, “The Africa CDC will distribute the vaccines according to regional needs. Through the Africa CDC, these vaccines will be distributed to affected countries.
“Furthermore, HERA is in collaboration with the Africa CDC with the aim to expand access to mpox diagnostics and sequencing in the region, with a €3.5 million grant foreseen for early autumn.”
The EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides stressed the significance of global cooperation in tackling health threats, stating, “Preparedness and response to health threats is a global endeavor that we are committed to pursuing collectively and with solidarity across borders.”
Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, thanked the EU for their rapid response and emphasized that global cooperation is essential in effectively responding to public health emergencies.
“The donation of over 215,000 doses from Bavarian Nordic is a crucial step in our fight against this crisis. This partnership not only provides essential vaccines but also highlights our shared commitment to protecting health across Africa,” Kaseya stated.
He further emphasized, “Together, we will strengthen our response efforts and ensure that communities across the continent receive the protection they need.
According to reports on Tuesday, the Africa CDC declared mpox a public health emergency of continental concern due to the rapid spread of the virus.
Director-General Jan Kaseya announced the decision during an online press conference, stating that it was a necessary step in response to the alarming rate at which the virus is spreading across Africa.
“I declare with a heavy heart but with an unyielding commitment to our people, to our African citizens, that we declare mpox a public health emergency of continental security.
“Mpox has now crossed borders, affecting thousands across our continent, families have been torn apart and the pain and suffering have touched every corner of our continent.
“This declaration is not merely a formality, it is a clarion call to action. It is a recognition that we can no longer afford to be reactive. We must be proactive and aggressive in our efforts to contain and eliminate this threat,” Kaseya highlighted.
