The World Health Organisation (WHO) has authorized Gavi and UNICEF to procure vaccines for monkeypox prevention while awaiting the final decision on the Emergency Use Listing (EUL). This step is part of a broader effort to combat outbreaks and improve response capabilities in affected regions, particularly in Africa.
Approval for Vaccine Procurement: Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, announced that Gavi and UNICEF have been given the green light to proceed with the procurement of vaccines. This decision comes as the WHO awaits the final EUL decision.
Emphasis on Comprehensive Measures: Dr. Ghebreyesus highlighted that vaccines are an essential tool but not the only measure needed. The WHO, Africa CDC, and partners are undertaking various actions to stop outbreaks and save lives.
Historical Support: The WHO has been assisting African countries in responding to sporadic outbreaks of monkeypox and has advocated for more research, diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccine development.
International Attention: The international community’s focus on monkeypox has intensified, particularly after Dr. Ghebreyesus declared a public health emergency of international concern two weeks ago in response to advice from the Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations.
Collaboration with Africa CDC: Dr. Ghebreyesus and Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of the African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), have been coordinating efforts to leverage their organizations’ strengths in combating the disease.
WHO’s Role: The WHO continues to support and coordinate efforts to manage monkeypox outbreaks, emphasizing a multi-faceted approach beyond just vaccination.
Ongoing Efforts: The focus on research and development of various tools to combat monkeypox remains a priority as the situation evolves.
International Cooperation: Close collaboration between international health organizations is crucial to effectively address and manage outbreaks.
The WHO’s green light for vaccine procurement represents a critical step in the fight against monkeypox, reflecting a commitment to strengthening response capabilities and ensuring effective prevention measures. The organization continues to work with global and regional partners to address the outbreak comprehensively.
