Addressing the Monkeypox Outbreak in Africa: Gavi’s Initiative

DAKAR – The global vaccine alliance Gavi has announced a major initiative to combat the outbreak of monkeypox in African countries. Gavi will purchase 500,000 doses of the vaccine from the Danish company Bavarian Nordic, with plans to distribute them within the year.

The total cost of the initiative, including transportation, delivery, and administration, is estimated to be $50 million, which will be covered by Gavi’s First Response Fund, a newly established financial mechanism set to operate until June 2024.

Since the beginning of the year, there have been over 25,000 confirmed cases of monkeypox, predominantly in Congo, leading to 723 deaths. The World Health Organization has declared this a global health emergency, prompting swift action to contain the outbreak.

Although Congo has received 250,000 vaccine doses, additional doses are urgently needed to control the outbreak. Gavi’s intervention aims to address this discrepancy and support the vaccination efforts in the most affected areas of the country.

Gavi’s announcement coincides with the approval of the vaccine by the World Health Organization for adult use, marking a significant milestone in the battle against monkeypox. The limited supply of the vaccine, however, underscores the need for sustained efforts to secure additional doses and expand vaccination programs.

The coordinated response to the monkeypox outbreak by global health organizations signals a united front against the disease and a commitment to protecting vulnerable populations in Africa. With ongoing support and collaboration, the hope is to bring an end to the outbreak and prevent future recurrences.

As efforts intensify to contain the spread of monkeypox, initiatives like Gavi’s offer a glimmer of hope for those affected by the outbreak. By prioritizing vaccination and resource allocation, we can work towards a healthier, more resilient future for all.