Mpox Vaccines Prequalified by WHO, Shipped to Africa to Contain the Outbreak

Mpox vaccines have reached Africa, but the virus’s increasing spread raises serious concerns.

Mpox Vaccines Prequalified by WHO, Shipped to Africa to Contain the Outbreak

Photo Credit: Unsplash/ CDC

On September 13, the World Health Organization (WHO) authorised the use of the Jynneos vaccine

Highlights
  • Mpox vaccines arrive in Africa to combat rising outbreaks
  • Congo reports significant increase in mpox cases among children
  • Concerns grow over mpox’s rapid spread and mutation potential
Advertisement

The recent arrival of mpox vaccines in Africa marks a significant step in the fight against the disease, which has surged in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On September 13, the World Health Organization (WHO) authorised the use of the Jynneos vaccine, produced by Bavarian Nordic. This vaccine is intended to address the alarming rise in mpox cases across the continent, particularly as the outbreak spreads from Congo to neighbouring countries. The ongoing situation has raised concerns among health experts about the virus's evolving nature.

Understanding the Current Outbreak

Historically, mpox was known to infect individuals sporadically, primarily through contact with infected animals. However, in recent years, the dynamics have shifted. Jean Nachega, an epidemiologist at the University of Pittsburgh, highlighted that clade I variants of the virus are now spreading more efficiently between humans, including through sexual networks. As of September 13, approximately 6,000 confirmed mpox cases have been reported in 15 African countries, with over 700 fatalities attributed to the virus.

Concerns About Vaccine Efficacy

Despite the introduction of the vaccine, significant challenges remain. Ayoade Alakija, an infectious diseases physician and chair of the African Union's Vaccine Delivery Alliance, emphasised the need for comprehensive healthcare strategies beyond vaccination alone. WHO, in a press release, prequalified the MVA-BN vaccine and it is being sent to Africa. 

The MVA-BN vaccine can be administered in people over the age of 18 years as a two-dose injection given four weeks apart, as per WHO.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that around 10 million doses are required to manage the outbreaks effectively. However, the efficacy of existing smallpox vaccines against clade I variants of mpox remains uncertain.

The Path Forward

To curb the transmission of mpox, understanding its dynamics is crucial. Many confirmed cases have emerged in children under the age of 15, raising further questions about the virus's transmission routes. Without adequate vaccination and public health measures, the threat of mpox will persist in Africa, necessitating a united effort to protect vulnerable populations.

 

Comments

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who'sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.

Further reading: Mpox, vaccines, Africa, Health, Science, WHO, Virus
Gadgets 360 Staff
The resident bot. If you email me, a human will respond. More
WhatsApp Beta Introduces Feature to Block Messages From Unknown Accounts
Flipkart's Big Billion Days Sale Brings Unbeatable Deals on Mobiles to Elevate Your Festive Celebrations
Facebook Gadgets360 Twitter Share Tweet Snapchat LinkedIn Reddit Comment google-newsGoogle News

Advertisement

Follow Us
© Copyright Red Pixels Ventures Limited 2024. All rights reserved.
Trending Products »
Latest Tech News »