Gavi announces strategic measures to combat mpox in Africa
Mpox vaccine concept. File photo
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has expressed deep concern over the worsening mpox emergency on the African continent and as a result, has outlined a series of strategic measures to address the crisis.
These measures come in response to the recent declarations of a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security by the African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
In a press statement, Gavi welcomed the steps taken by Africa CDC and WHO to create an enabling environment for a comprehensive, region-led response to the outbreak.
The organisation emphasised the importance of international coordination to effectively combat the spread of Mpox, which it has been closely monitoring since 2022.
As part of its next five-year Vaccine Investment Strategy (VIS), Gavi has committed to establishing a global stockpile of mpox vaccines, pending the availability of WHO Emergency Use Listing or prequalification of a recommended vaccine.
“This stockpile, similar to existing ones for diseases like cholera and Ebola, is aimed at ensuring rapid response capability in the event of future outbreaks,” Gavi said.
The design of this stockpile will be informed by a robust assessment of the long-term public health need, reflecting lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic.
In the interim, Gavi will support outbreak response efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and surrounding countries, where the mpox outbreak has been particularly severe.
The outbreak in DRC has primarily affected children, resulting in high morbidity and mortality rates. Gavi's support will include the provision of operational funds, direct procurement of vaccines, and sharing of legal and process knowledge with partners involved in sourcing and administering dose donations.
Gavi's response will also draw on new innovative health security mechanisms, such as the First Response Fund, part of the Day Zero Financing Facility.
This fund, designed to make resources immediately available during public health emergencies, could be used to support vaccine procurement and other critical aspects of the mpox response.
Moreover, Gavi is investing in a learning agenda aimed at improving the global response to mpox. This initiative will support surveillance and modelling studies on vaccine use and impact, helping to build a more accurate understanding of the disease burden and inform future vaccination strategies.
Gavi's actions are guided by a "no-regrets approach to risk," ensuring that all possible measures are taken to support the ongoing emergency response.
The organisation said it is working closely with countries, Africa CDC, WHO, Unicef, donors, and manufacturers to coordinate efforts and ensure that the response is as effective as possible.
As it supports Africa's fight against mpox, Gavi is also keen at ensuring that the lessons learned from this crisis contribute to stronger global health security in the future.