UNICEF has announced that it has initiated an emergency tender for mpox vaccines to aid countries severely impacted by the recent outbreak of the disease.
The emergency tender, launched in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Gavi vaccine alliance, and Africa CDC (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention), aims to ensure immediate access to available mpox vaccines and boost production capabilities.
According to the statement, depending on factors such as demand, production capacity, and funding, agreements could be established for up to 12 million doses through 2025. UNICEF plans to negotiate conditional supply agreements with vaccine manufacturers under this tender.
These agreements will allow UNICEF to promptly purchase and distribute vaccines once countries and partners have secured necessary financing, confirmed demand, and met regulatory requirements.
The WHO declared an international emergency for mpox on August 14, following a surge in cases of the Clade 1b strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has since spread to neighbouring countries. To date, over 18,000 suspected cases have been reported in the DRC this year, with 629 fatalities.
