UNICEF has issued an emergency tender for the procurement of mpox vaccines in collaboration with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the World Health Organization (WHO). This urgent initiative aims to secure vaccines for the hardest-hit countries, addressing the ongoing mpox outbreak, which has been declared a public health emergency by both Africa CDC and WHO.
The tender is part of a broader effort to increase access to vaccines and ensure timely allocation to affected regions. UNICEF, alongside its partners, is also working to facilitate vaccine donations from existing stockpiles in high-income countries. These efforts are crucial in containing the spread of mpox and protecting vulnerable populations.
Under the emergency tender, UNICEF will establish conditional supply agreements with vaccine manufacturers, enabling the organization to purchase and distribute vaccines swiftly once countries secure financing, confirm demand, and meet regulatory requirements. WHO is currently reviewing the information submitted by manufacturers and is expected to complete its review for Emergency Use Listing by mid-September.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, at the epicenter of the crisis, has reported over 18,000 suspected cases of mpox, including 629 deaths this year. Alarmingly, four out of five deaths have occurred in children.
“Addressing the current mpox vaccine shortage and delivering vaccines to those who need them most is of paramount importance,” stated Leila Pakkala, Director of UNICEF’s Supply Division. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, emphasized the need for a swift and equitable response, adding that the collaboration between UNICEF, Gavi, WHO, and other stakeholders is essential to controlling the outbreak.
The emergency tender is designed not only to secure immediate access to available vaccines but also to expand production, with agreements for up to 12 million doses through 2025. UNICEF and its partners are also prioritizing infection prevention, control measures, and community engagement to combat the spread of mpox effectively.
UNICEF, the world’s largest vaccine buyer, continues to play a pivotal role in the global response to health crises, procuring over 2 billion doses of vaccines annually for routine immunization and outbreak response in nearly 100 countries.
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