The World Health Organisation (WHO) has authorized the use of the MVA-BN vaccine to combat monkeypox (mpox) in certain African countries, aiming to curb the spread of the virus. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus hailed the prequalification of the vaccine as a crucial step, particularly in the context of ongoing outbreaks across Africa.
The vaccine is recommended for individuals aged 18 and above and is administered in a two-dose series. Although its effects on children are not fully understood, the WHO guidelines indicate that infants, babies, and adolescents may be vaccinated in areas facing severe outbreaks. The decision underscores that the benefits of vaccination outweigh potential risks, particularly in regions experiencing significant transmission.
Developed by Bavarian Nordic, the vaccine was initially authorized in 2022 following the global mpox outbreak. However, vaccine availability remains limited, with only one manufacturer producing it.
Mpox presents symptoms similar to smallpox, including facial, hand, and chest lesions, as well as fever and body aches. The ongoing outbreak has led to over 103,000 confirmed cases across 120 countries since 2022. In 2024 alone, 25,237 suspected and confirmed cases, alongside 723 deaths, were reported in 14 African countries.
Africa urgently needs 10 million vaccines to prevent further outbreaks, as the virus continues to pose a public health emergency. According to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of September 13, 2024, 5,731 confirmed cases and 724 deaths have been recorded this year.
In Pakistan, six cases of mpox have been reported, with five originating from Peshawar, raising concerns that the city may become a hotspot for the virus’s spread.
