The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging a boost in mpox vaccine production to control a more dangerous strain of the virus. There has been a rise in mpox cases and deaths this year, with over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths reported so far.
To address the outbreaks, the WHO has outlined a plan that needs US$ 15 million for surveillance and response. They have already used US$ 1.45 million from their emergency fund and will release more funds soon.
Two vaccines for mpox are available and have been approved by national authorities in countries like Nigeria and the DRC.
Sweden has reported its first case of mpox, specifically Clade I. This follows the WHO’s second global health emergency declaration for mpox in two years, linked to an outbreak from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In response, GAVI is providing up to $500 million for the mpox response, and the U.S. will donate 50,000 doses to Congo. The WHO also warns that imported mpox cases might increase in Europe soon.
China will monitor mpox closely for the next six months, requiring travelers from affected areas to declare their status and sanitize goods from those regions.
In Pakistan, three people from the UAE were found with mpox upon arriving at Peshawar Airport and have been quarantined.
Mpox has also been found in wastewater in two districts of San Francisco, but there is no immediate risk to the public.
Bronwyn Nichol from the Red Cross and Red Crescent has pointed out a serious shortage of mpox diagnostic kits, treatments, and vaccines in Africa, which is hindering control efforts.
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