UNICEF has announced the issuance of an emergency tender to procure monkeypox (mpox) vaccines for countries severely affected by the outbreak. This initiative is part of a collaborative effort with Africa CDC, Gavi, WHO, the Pan American Health Organisation, and other partners, aimed at containing the spread of mpox, which has been declared a public health emergency.
The tender seeks to secure vaccines by establishing conditional supply agreements with manufacturers. These agreements will allow UNICEF to quickly purchase and distribute vaccines once countries have secured financing, confirmed demand, and met regulatory requirements for vaccine acceptance.
The initiative also includes facilitating vaccine donations from stockpiles in high-income countries to help curb the ongoing transmission of mpox.
Currently, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is at the epicentre of the crisis, reporting more than 18,000 suspected cases of mpox this year, including 629 deaths. The situation is particularly dire for children, who account for four out of five fatalities.
The need for vaccines is urgent, as they are a critical tool in interrupting the transmission of the virus and protecting vulnerable communities.
Leila Pakkala, Director of UNICEF’s Supply Division, emphasised the importance of addressing the current mpox vaccine shortage and ensuring equitable access to vaccines. She highlighted the need for a universal and transparent allocation mechanism to ensure that vaccines reach those who need them most.
In addition to securing vaccines, the emergency tender is also designed to expand production capacity. Depending on the demand, manufacturers’ production capacity, and funding, agreements for up to 12 million doses through 2025 may be established. This would significantly bolster efforts to combat the mpox outbreak.
However, vaccines are just one part of the broader strategy to control the outbreak. Africa CDC, Gavi, UNICEF, WHO, and other partners are also focusing on infection prevention and control, risk communication, and community engagement.
UNICEF is deploying a range of medical countermeasures, including personal protection equipment, diagnostic tests, medical treatment kits, hygiene supplies, and tents to frontline countries. These measures are essential in supporting treatment, case isolation, and surveillance efforts.
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