WHO Eases Vaccine Purchase Rules for Mpox Outbreak

The first 10,000 Mpox vaccines are set to arrive in Africa next week, marking a significant step in addressing the deadly outbreak that has long afflicted the continent. Despite the WHO declaring the outbreak a global health emergency, Africa has faced prolonged delays in vaccine distribution due to bureaucratic obstacles and high costs. The WHO has announced a $135 million response plan and called for coordinated global efforts to control the outbreak. To expedite vaccine access, the WHO has allowed partners like Gavi and UNICEF to start purchasing vaccines before formal approval is granted. The US has donated the initial 10,000 doses, while manufacturers like Bavarian Nordic have urged for immediate orders to produce more vaccines. This situation has sparked debates over global health inequalities, reminiscent of the COVID-19 pandemic response.