Breakthrough in the Fight Against Mpox: WHO Approves First Vaccine
In a significant development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has prequalified the first Mpox vaccine, paving the way for accelerated access to the jab in Africa, where the epidemic is raging. This milestone comes as the Democratic Republic of Congo, the epicenter of the outbreak, receives the first batch of MVA-BN vaccines.
The WHO’s approval is a crucial step in the fight against Mpox, which has claimed over 700 lives in the DRC since January. With nearly 22,000 cases reported, the need for a vaccine has never been more pressing. The prequalified vaccine will enable the United Nations and other international agencies to procure the jab, ensuring equitable access to those who need it most.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus hailed the development as “an important step” in the fight against Mpox, emphasizing the need for urgent scale-up in procurement, donations, and rollout to prevent infections, stop transmission, and save lives.
This breakthrough offers hope in the battle against Mpox, but it’s only the beginning. As the WHO works to accelerate access to the vaccine, we must remain vigilant and committed to stopping the spread of this deadly disease.