MPOX TRACKER

In a significant move to combat the mpox outbreak in Africa, Gavi, the global vaccine alliance, has announced its first purchase of 500,000 doses of Bavarian Nordic's mpox vaccine. This initiative comes in response to the alarming spread of mpox across parts of Africa, with over 25,000 suspected cases and 723 deaths reported in 2024, primarily in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The World Health Organization has declared this outbreak a global health emergency.

Gavi's investment of up to $50 million covers not only the vaccine doses but also their transportation, delivery, and administration costs. The vaccines are slated for delivery within this year, providing a crucial boost to the ongoing response efforts.

While rich nations have pledged approximately 3.6 million doses to the DRC, only a small fraction has arrived so far. The WHO's recent approval of the vaccine for use is expected to accelerate these efforts. Gavi's purchase will significantly increase the availability of mpox vaccines for African countries.

The exact price per dose remains undisclosed, but estimates suggest it's less than $100, including logistics costs - lower than previous projections. Gavi's CEO, Sania Nishtar, emphasized the priority of working with partners to efficiently convert these vaccines into vaccinations and to build a global vaccine stockpile over time.

Bavarian Nordic's CEO, Paul Chaplin, highlighted the deal's importance in increasing vaccine availability for African countries. The company has adjusted its production schedule, postponing some existing orders to 2025 to meet current market demands.

This strategic purchase by Gavi represents a critical step in addressing the mpox outbreak in Africa. It not only provides immediate support to affected regions but also contributes to the development of a more robust global response mechanism for future outbreaks. The initiative underscores the importance of international cooperation and proactive measures in managing global health emergencies.