UNICEF Issues Emergency Tender for Mpox Vaccines
UNICEF plans to acquire up to 12 million doses by 2025.
Close-up of doctor vaccinating a little girl.
UNICEF has issued an emergency tender to secure mpox vaccines for crisis-affected countries. This initiative is supported by the Gavi Vaccine Alliance, Africa CDC, and the WHO.
Key Points:
Vaccine Procurement: UNICEF plans to acquire up to 12 million doses by 2025, based on manufacturers' production capacities.
Conditional Agreements: UNICEF will establish conditional supply agreements with vaccine makers to ensure prompt procurement and distribution once financial and regulatory conditions are confirmed.
Collaborative Efforts: The initiative involves partnerships with the Vaccine Alliance, Pan American Health Organization, and other agencies to facilitate donations from high-income countries’ stockpiles.
Current Status:
WHO Review: WHO is reviewing manufacturer submissions and expects to complete an emergency use listing by mid-September. They are also evaluating emergency licenses for vaccines from Bavarian Nordic and KM Biologics.
Background:
Outbreak Details: The WHO declared mpox a global public health emergency in early August.
The outbreak originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo and has spread to neighboring countries. Congo has reported over 18,000 suspected cases and 629 deaths. Cases of the clade Ib type have also been confirmed in Sweden and Thailand.
