Gavi Mobilizes $500 Million for Mpox Vaccines

Ireland's health officials have declared a low risk for mpox as the country has sufficient vaccine supplies to address potential outbreaks in the coming months, despite the World Health Organization's (WHO) recent declaration of a public health emergency due to an escalating mpox outbreak in Africa. The WHO's alert highlights the rising cases in African nations, prompting global vaccine group Gavi to allocate up to $500 million for vaccine distribution in affected areas. Gavi plans to establish a global stockpile of mpox vaccines, contingent upon WHO approvals and successful fundraising, while also enhancing its engagement with vaccine manufacturers. As African countries report more mpox infections in 2024 than in 2023, Gavi emphasizes the need for rapid operational support and international coordination to mitigate the crisis. The current situation underscores the importance of preparing targeted vaccine responses to protect vulnerable populations both in Ireland and globally.