By Trevor Hunnicutt and Julie Steenhuysen
President Joe Biden will make a significant announcement on Tuesday regarding the donation of 1 million mpox vaccine doses and a minimum of $500 million to African countries to bolster their response to the outbreak. This move comes as the World Health Organization declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years, following an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has spread to neighboring countries and beyond.
Biden will deliver the news in New York, while attending the United Nations General Assembly, and will urge other countries to join in the effort. The administration official emphasized the importance of a robust response to such outbreaks, especially with potential cuts in pandemic support looming. The donated doses are expected to be of the Bavarian Nordic vaccine Jynneos, with distribution handled by the Gavi alliance.
In addition to the donation, the Biden administration is advocating for increased vaccine manufacturing in low and middle-income countries. Collaboration with Brazil and the Group of 20 nations is underway to support the mpox response. It is noted that there is currently no African manufacturer capable of producing the necessary drug substance for the vaccine.
Analysis:
This article discusses President Biden's announcement of a significant donation of mpox vaccine doses and funding to African countries to combat the outbreak. This move is crucial in addressing the global public health emergency declared by the World Health Organization. The Biden administration's focus on vaccine distribution and manufacturing in low-income countries highlights the importance of equitable access to vaccines. By supporting these efforts, countries can strengthen their response to outbreaks and protect public health on a global scale.