Health reports from the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ministry of Health or WHO

WHO Approves LC16m8 Mpox Vaccine for Emergency Use, Aids DRC Children

Nov 20, 2024, 02:10 AM

The World Health Organization (WHO) has granted emergency use listing to Japan's LC16m8 mpox vaccine, developed by KM Biologics, a subsidiary of Meiji Group. This vaccine is now the second to receive WHO's approval for emergency use, following Jynneos by Bavarian Nordic and ACAM2000 by Emergent BioSolutions. The approval will facilitate the use of the vaccine, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where Japan has promised to donate 3 million doses. The vaccine is notable for allowing the immunization of younger children, who are vulnerable to infections from household contact. This move comes as the Mpox epidemic continues to spread across Africa, with Kenya also taking part in vaccine development. In Congo, 60% of deaths from Mpox are children under 5 years old, highlighting the urgency for effective vaccination strategies. The Mpox vaccine, like nearly all vaccines that make it to market, is safe and effective.