Japan pledges 3 mil doses of mpox vaccine to WHO
September 17, 2024
Japan has made a substantial commitment to the global fight against mpox, pledging 3 million vaccine doses. This contribution, described by the World Health Organization (WHO) as "the largest donation to date," is part of a broader international effort totaling over 3.6 million doses. The pledge follows WHO's declaration of the mpox surge in Africa as a public health emergency of international concern. Japan's donation consists of the LC16 vaccine, developed by KM Biologics Co. WHO reports indicate about 5,700 cases and 32 deaths across 15 African countries this year, with isolated cases in Sweden and Thailand.
In a significant move to combat the recent surge of mpox across Africa, Japan has stepped forward with a substantial pledge of approximately 3 million vaccine doses. The World Health Organization (WHO) has hailed this commitment as "the largest donation to date" in the global effort to contain the spread of this infectious disease.
Japan's contribution forms a crucial part of a broader international response, which includes donations from the European Union, the United States, and other nations. Collectively, these efforts have amassed a promised total exceeding 3.6 million vaccine doses, underscoring the global community's dedication to addressing this health crisis.
The urgency of this response was highlighted last month when WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared the alarming rise in mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring countries a public health emergency of international concern. This designation, previously used for COVID-19, emphasizes the severity of the situation and the need for coordinated global action.
Dr. Tedros stressed the critical role of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics in controlling mpox outbreaks, urging countries with available supplies to contribute to saving lives and preventing further infections.
The vaccine doses offered by Japan are the LC16 vaccine, developed by KM Biologics Co in Kumamoto. This joins other WHO-recommended mpox immunizations, such as the MVA-BN vaccine by Denmark's Bavarian Nordic A/S, in the global arsenal against the disease.
Recent WHO reports paint a concerning picture, with approximately 5,700 cases, including 32 deaths, reported this year across the Democratic Republic of the Congo and 14 other African countries. The global reach of the outbreak is evident, with isolated cases reported in Sweden and Thailand since August.
Japan's generous donation not only bolsters the immediate response to the mpox outbreak but also sets a powerful example of international solidarity in the face of global health challenges. As the world continues to grapple with this emerging threat, such collaborative efforts will be crucial in mitigating its impact and protecting vulnerable populations.