In response to the monkeypox outbreak in Africa, the European Union’s (EU) Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) has announced that it will provide 215,000 vaccination doses.
The commission announced in a statement on Wednesday that it will purchase 175,420 doses of the mpox vaccine known as the Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN).
Additionally, the pharmaceutical industry will provide HERA with 40,000 doses of vaccines.
The MVA-BN vaccine is the only measles vaccination authorized in the European Union. It is a non-replicating vaccine.
It has been approved for use in individuals 18 years and older.
“The Africa CDC will distribute the vaccines according to regional needs. Through the Africa CDC, these vaccines will be distributed to affected countries,” the statement reads.
“Furthermore, HERA is in collaboration with the Africa CDC with the aim to expand access to mpox diagnostics and sequencing in the region, with a €3.5 million grant foreseen for early autumn.”
The European Health Union’s commissioner for health and food safety, Stella Kyriakides, said that the organization’s foundation is built on solid international alliances and that health risks transcend national boundaries.
“We are determined to pursue collectively and with solidarity across borders in the global endeavor of preparedness and response to health threats,” the speaker declared.
Jean Kaseya, director-general of Africa CDC, said the body is grateful for the swift response from the commission and Bavarian Nordic.
“The donation of over 215,000 doses from Bavarian Nordic is a crucial step in our fight against this crisis. This partnership not only delivers essential vaccines but also underscores our collective commitment to safeguarding health across Africa,” he said.
On Tuesday, Africa CDC declared mpox a “public health emergency of continental security”.
Over 13,700 cases and 450 deaths have been recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo since the turn of the year.
