The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (Gavi) has intensified its efforts to procure mpox vaccines amid the recent outbreak in Africa.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement, Gavi expressed deep concern about the escalating incidents of mpox on the continent and welcomed the declaration of a public health emergency by the African Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and World Health Organisation (WHO).
Gavi has been monitoring the mpox situation since 2022 and has informed its new innovative health security mechanisms and next five-year strategy with considerations related to mpox.
The alliance plans to establish a global stockpile of mpox vaccines, pending WHO Emergency Use Listing or prequalification of a recommended vaccine.
Gavi has accelerated engagement with manufacturers, including Bavarian Nordic, for potential direct procurement of mpox vaccines. The organisation has also declared the mpox situation a regional emergency, enabling additional flexibilities and streamlined processes.
“Gavi has accelerated engagement with manufacturers, including Bavarian Nordic, for potential direct procurement of mpox vaccines in support of outbreak response,” the statement reads.
Gavi will offer direct support and share knowledge with countries and partners, building on its experience coordinating the supply of nearly 1 billion dose donations to 114 countries in response to COVID-19.
