UN Launches Vaccine Initiative as Global Efforts Intensify to Combat Monkey pox Threat in Africa

The United Nations has launched a critical vaccine initiative aimed at combating a disease that has resurfaced as a public health threat in Africa, following warnings from the World Health Organization (WHO). This marks the second time in two years that the disease has posed a significant risk to public health, prompting an urgent response from the international community.

Several countries have stepped forward to supply vaccine doses to Africa, addressing the ongoing challenges of vaccine inequality that previously hindered access during the 2022 pandemic. The vaccines are being produced by Danish manufacturer Bavarian Nordic and Japanese company KM Biologics, ensuring a diverse supply to meet the continent's needs.

France has committed to providing 100,000 vaccine doses, with distribution based on "internal need," according to the country's Minister of Health. Similarly, Germany has pledged 100,000 doses to help contain the epidemic swiftly, as announced by a government spokesman on August 26.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the government has requested a significant supply of at least 2 million doses from Japan, as confirmed by a senior health official. While Japan has acknowledged Congo's request, the exact number of doses had not been specified until now. Additionally, Spain has announced plans to contribute 500,000 doses, accounting for 20% of its stockpile, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health on August 27.

The European Commission has been urged to provide 20% of the vaccine supply to bolster these efforts. Meanwhile, the U.S. Government announced on August 22 that it will deliver 50,000 doses of the Bavarian Nordic vaccine to the Democratic Republic of Congo, supplementing this with financial aid to support the ongoing fight against the disease.

In a related development, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) revealed on August 27 that it will supply 10,000 doses of a vaccine for elephants in Nigeria, highlighting the broader scope of the vaccination campaign.

The rapid spread of the virus across sub-Saharan Africa poses a significant risk to the region's already fragile economies. According to a report by Fitch on Wednesday, the outbreak could exacerbate the financial crisis in many countries, adding urgency to the global response.