UNICEF Issues Emergency Tender for Mpox Vaccines

UNICEF Collaborates to Secure Mpox Vaccines for Crisis-Hit Countries

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has taken a significant step to combat the ongoing mpox outbreak by issuing an emergency tender to secure vaccines for countries most affected by the crisis. This initiative, in collaboration with the Gavi vaccine alliance, Africa CDC, and the World Health Organization (WHO), underscores the global effort to ensure that vaccines are available where they are most needed.

Emergency Tender and Vaccine Supply Agreements

UNICEF's emergency tender aims to establish conditional supply agreements with vaccine manufacturers, enabling the rapid purchase and distribution of mpox vaccines as soon as regulatory, financial, and demand conditions are met. The agreements may result in the procurement of up to 12 million doses by 2025, contingent on manufacturers' production capacity.

Global Public Health Emergency

This initiative's urgency stems from the WHO's declaration of mpox as a global public health emergency earlier this year. The outbreak, which began in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has since spread to neighboring countries, with over 18,000 suspected cases reported in Congo alone, resulting in 629 deaths. In addition, over 150 cases have been confirmed in Burundi.

Coordinated Global Response

This coordinated response by UNICEF and its partners highlights the importance of global collaboration in addressing public health crises. By ensuring that vaccines can be quickly and efficiently distributed to the regions most in need, the organizations aim to prevent further spread of the virus and protect vulnerable populations.

Conclusion

As the world continues to grapple with the challenges posed by mpox, UNICEF's proactive measures in securing vaccines through this emergency tender represent a critical effort to safeguard public health. The collaboration with WHO, Africa CDC, and Gavi is a testament to the power of global partnerships in tackling emerging health threats.