Russia says African, ex-Soviet countries interested in its mpox vaccine
November 13, 2024
Russia’s Orthopoxvac vaccine, designed for smallpox and mpox, is attracting attention from African and ex-Soviet countries facing mpox outbreaks. Developed by the Vektor laboratory in Siberia and approved by Russia in 2022, Orthopoxvac aims to address these infectious threats. While trial data have not been publicly released, countries affected by mpox, such as those in the Eurasian Economic Union and Africa, have shown interest in the vaccine. This demand highlights the global need for accessible mpox solutions, especially as the WHO’s August emergency declaration underscores mpox’s ongoing risks. Orthopoxvac’s potential adoption could offer vital support to impacted regions.
Russia’s Orthopoxvac vaccine, developed by the Vektor laboratory in Siberia, is gaining international interest among countries impacted by mpox and smallpox outbreaks. Registered in 2022 by Russia’s health ministry following clinical trials, Orthopoxvac has drawn attention from African nations and ex-Soviet states within the Eurasian Economic Union and the Commonwealth of Independent States. While Vektor has not released its trial results publicly, Russian health officials have affirmed the vaccine’s safety and efficacy. This interest reflects an urgent global need for mpox solutions as countries face growing infection rates.
Mpox, a viral disease spread through close contact, produces flu-like symptoms and skin lesions. Though generally mild, it can be fatal. The WHO’s recent emergency declaration highlighted the gravity of the mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has spread to surrounding nations. Several countries, including Burundi, Uganda, and Nigeria, expressed limited knowledge or no active steps toward procuring the Russian vaccine, while ex-Soviet nations such as Uzbekistan reported no current need. Others, including the U.S. and France, have pledged donations of alternative mpox vaccines to support outbreak response in affected regions.
Orthopoxvac’s reception underscores the global need for diverse vaccine sources to combat emerging health threats effectively. With limited information on Orthopoxvac’s availability outside Russia, it remains to be seen how widely it will be distributed. However, the interest it has garnered reflects the pressure on global health systems to provide preventative measures for mpox, particularly in regions facing high infection rates. As countries like the DRC work to control outbreaks, having a range of vaccines can strengthen responses to future outbreaks, underscoring the critical importance of vaccine access and collaborative global health efforts.