Mpox is a disease caused by the mpox virus and was first detected in the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) in 1970. Characteristic symptoms of mpox include a cough, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, high temperatures and lesions, and the virus is spread through close contact with infected individuals, contaminated surfaces, physical contact with infected animals and consumption of contaminated meat. During the global mpox outbreak in 2022, the virus was primarily spread through sexual contact. When appropriate treatment is administered, individuals can recover from mpox within a few weeks, though in some cases, severe disease may develop. In such cases, individuals may have secondary bacterial infections, and mpox can cause encephalitis or myocarditis. Those with severe disease, and higher-risk patients (children, those who are pregnant or immunodeficient) require specific care and treatment, which proves to be an issue in regions with poor healthcare resources and infrastructure.
In mid-August 2024, the World Health Organization and Africa CDC declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency. A lack of resources and poor infrastructure in afflicted areas such as DRC and Burundi proves to be a significant challenge during the crisis and issues regarding disease surveillance and the affordability and distribution of vaccines have consequently arisen. So, what are other nations and companies doing? Existing smallpox vaccines are being repurposed and two are expected to get emergency-use licenses from the WHO. For example, Jynneos (manufactured by Denmark-based Bavarian Nordic) and LC16m8 (manufactured by KM Biologics in Japan). In early September, the Africa CDC, Gavi (the vaccine alliance), the WHO and the United Nations’ children’s charity UNICEF were ready to purchase and distribute the vaccines mentioned. However, issues regarding price and logistics remain; high market prices of vaccine doses rely on coordination from international donors. The Africa CDC has expressed that 10 million vaccine doses are required by 2025 to combat the outbreak. As of September 17th, 3,891,960 doses have been pledged, with pledges varying widely between donor nations.
This highlights a global issue: the struggle of low-income countries to access medical tools in public health emergencies due to reliance on international donors. Issues regarding healthcare inequity have been constantly highlighted during this outbreak, with Africa still importing 99% of its vaccinations. Efforts are being made to establish an African Medicines Agency modelled on the European Union’s system, though delays have hindered this. It seems evident that although wealthier global nations can provide aid, the deeper issue can only be resolved through a well-established national system. Without such advances, these regions will remain dependent on external aid, and more vulnerable to future disease outbreaks.
“Monkeypox virus particles” by National Institutes of Health (NIH) is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0.