MPOX TRACKER

The global response to the mpox crisis has taken another step forward with the Access and Allocation Mechanism (AAM) allocating 238,000 additional vaccine doses to Angola, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Uganda. These nations are among the most severely affected by the recent surge of mpox subclade Ib, which first emerged in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in September 2023. This follows the initial November 2024 vaccine allocation of 899,000 doses to nine African countries, reflecting the urgent need for continued global intervention.

The AAM, a collaboration between Africa CDC, WHO, Gavi, CEPI, and UNICEF, underscores the necessity of international coordination in addressing public health emergencies. By prioritizing countries with the highest infection rates, the mechanism ensures vaccines reach those most in need, mitigating further spread. This approach is critical as African nations grapple with ongoing outbreaks, compounded by fragile healthcare systems and limited vaccine access.

Since WHO declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), efforts have been mobilized to prevent the disease from escalating into a more widespread health catastrophe. However, challenges remain, including logistical hurdles in vaccine distribution and ensuring that high-risk populations receive timely immunization.

By working together, global health agencies and African governments are making strides in containment, but sustained financial and logistical support will be necessary. As shipment arrangements for this second allocation are finalized, it is imperative that nations maintain momentum in surveillance, testing, and vaccination to curb further outbreaks. This coordinated response is a crucial step in preventing mpox from becoming a prolonged public health threat and safeguarding the health of vulnerable communities.