Gavi announced in September 2024 that a shipment of 15,460 doses of mpox vaccine has arrived in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to “support the global and regional effort to contain the outbreak”. These doses were donated by manufacturer Bavarian Nordic to Gavi-eligible countries. Arriving in Kinshasa, the shipment adds to the 215,000 vaccine doses already donated by the European Union.
Global response
The DRC is the epicentre of the mpox outbreak; it has reported around 94% of all cases and 99% of related deaths. It has secured national regulatory approval of Bavarian Nordic’s JYNNEOS mpox vaccine and rollout is expected to begin shortly. Gavi has made US$2.9 million under the Fragility, Emergencies, and Displaced Populations (FED) Policy to support DRC’s vaccination efforts.
In August 2024, Gavi announced that the Board has approved the final terms of the First Response Fund. This is the “fastest tool in a suite of instruments” known as the Day Zero Financing Facility; this is intended to make resources “immediately” available for a vaccine response to an urgent public health emergency. Gavi is also working with countries and partners and sharing “legal and process knowledge” and operational support to Africa CDC and partners.
“Based on our experience working with donors, countries, and partners to coordinate the global COVAX dose donation mechanism, this includes providing information on the complex technical, legal, regulatory, and logistical considerations involved in mounting rapid vaccination campaigns with donated doses.”
CEO of Gavi, Dr Sania Nishtar, described the latest shipment as a “timely addition” to the global response.
“Now that they have arrived, our first priority is to work with our partners to ensure these and other vaccines reach those who need them, as quickly and efficiently as possible. Gavi has already unlocked funds to support this delivery.”
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