UNICEF has issued an emergency tender to procure vaccines crucial for containing the outbreak. This tender is a collaborative effort involving Africa CDC, Gavi (the Vaccine Alliance), WHO, the Pan American Health Organisation, and other global partners. The goal is to facilitate the distribution of vaccines to the hardest-hit regions, particularly in Africa, by securing donations from existing stockpiles in high-income countries.
UNICEF’s tender aims to establish conditional supply agreements with vaccine manufacturers. These agreements will allow for the swift purchase and distribution of vaccines once the necessary financing, demand, and regulatory approvals are in place. WHO is currently reviewing submissions from vaccine manufacturers, with an Emergency Use Listing review expected to be completed by mid-September.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is at the epicenter of this crisis, having reported more than 18,000 suspected cases of mpox this year alone, including 629 deaths. Tragically, four out of five of these fatalities have been children, underscoring the urgent need for vaccines and other medical countermeasures.
Leila Pakkala, Director of UNICEF’s Supply Division, emphasized the critical importance of addressing the current vaccine shortage: “Delivering vaccines to communities in need is of paramount importance. We urgently need a universal and transparent allocation mechanism to ensure equitable access to mpox vaccines.”
In addition to securing immediate access to vaccines, the tender is also aimed at expanding production. Depending on demand, production capacity, and available funding, UNICEF may establish agreements for up to 12 million doses through 2025.
Beyond vaccines, UNICEF and its partners are prioritizing a comprehensive response that includes infection prevention and control, risk communication, and community engagement. The organization is also supplying frontline countries with essential medical equipment and supplies, including personal protection equipment, diagnostic tests, treatment kits, and hygiene supplies, to support efforts in case isolation, treatment, and surveillance.
This coordinated global response is crucial in the fight against the mpox outbreak, as organizations work together to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further spread of the virus.
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