European Union (EU), through its Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) has donated 215,000 vaccine doses to combat the ongoing Mpox outbreak in Africa.
Gatekeepers News reports that EU announced this through a statement released on Wednesday.
The substantial contribution came as part of its broader efforts to address global health threats and bolster preparedness against emerging infectious diseases. 
European Commission revealed that it would procure 175,420 doses of Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN) mpox vaccine.
MVA-BN vaccine, a non-replicating smallpox vaccine is currently the only mpox vaccine approved for use in EU and has been cleared for administration to individuals aged 18 and older.
Bavarian Nordic, pharmaceutical company behind the vaccine, has also committed to donating an extra 40,000 doses to HERA.
Distribution of these vaccines will be managed by Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), which will allocate the doses based on regional needs.
The collaboration between HERA and Africa CDC also aims to enhance access to mpox diagnostics and sequencing capabilities across the continent, with a €3.5 million grant expected to be deployed by early autumn.
EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides emphasised the importance of global cooperation in addressing health threats.
She said, “Preparedness and response to health threats is a global endeavour which we are determined to pursue collectively and with solidarity across borders.”
Director-General of Africa CDC, Jean Kaseya thanked EU for its rapid response, highlighting critical role of international partnerships in tackling public health emergencies.
He said, “The donation of over 215,000 doses from Bavarian Nordic is a crucial step in our fight against this crisis. This partnership not only delivers essential vaccines but also underscores our collective commitment to safeguarding health across Africa.”
“Together, we will strengthen our response efforts and ensure that communities across the continent receive the protection they need.”
