WHO Declares Mpox Global Health Emergency; FDA Approves Emergent BioSolutions Vaccine

Aug 30, 2024, 03:50 PM

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a global health emergency, with the outbreak spreading rapidly across Africa and other regions. In response, the WHO is urging manufacturers to submit diagnostic tests for emergency review to expedite access. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is heavily impacted, reporting over 1,500 deaths and 22,000 cases since January 2023. Despite the urgent need, Africa has secured less than 10% of the estimated $245 million required to combat the outbreak. Japan has pledged to donate mpox vaccines to the DRC, while African vaccine manufacturers are preparing to produce more shots. The WHO has also renamed the disease to avoid racial discrimination. Emergent BioSolutions' stock rose by 23% following FDA approval of its mpox vaccine. UNICEF, in collaboration with Africa CDC, Gavi, and WHO, has issued an emergency tender to secure vaccines for affected regions. Meanwhile, countries like Kenya and Nigeria are enhancing surveillance and preparing for vaccinations. In Burundi, 258 cases have been reported with no deaths.