The World Health Organization (WHO) has taken a significant step in combating mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) by prequalifying the first vaccine for the virus. The move is expected to facilitate “timely and increased access” to vaccines, especially in Africa, where more than 20,000 people have been infected so far this year.
The vaccine, MVA-BN, developed by Danish pharmaceutical company Bavarian Nordic, has already been approved for use in Europe and the United States for adults. With the WHO’s approval on Friday, millions of people at risk of mpox—particularly in regions with ongoing outbreaks—will now have accelerated access to the vaccine, which could help curb transmission and contain the disease.
A Crucial Step in the Fight Against Mpox
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of the vaccine’s prequalification, calling it a key step in the global effort to stop the virus. “This is an important step in our fight against the disease, both in the context of the current outbreaks in Africa and for the future,” said Dr. Tedros. “We now need urgent scale-up in production, procurement, donations, and rollout to ensure equitable access to vaccines where they are needed most, alongside other public health tools, to prevent infections, stop transmission, and save lives.”
Vaccine Administration and Effectiveness
The MVA-BN vaccine is administered in two doses, four weeks apart, and has demonstrated an estimated 82% effectiveness in preventing mpox infections. For vulnerable groups such as infants, young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems, the vaccine can still be used when the benefits outweigh potential risks.
In cases where vaccine supply is limited, the WHO recommends prioritizing single-dose administration, which provides 76% protection against the virus. This flexibility allows for more widespread distribution in high-risk areas while maintaining substantial protection.
Boosting Vaccine Access and Equity
The WHO’s prequalification of the MVA-BN vaccine not only signals its efficacy and safety but also opens the door for faster procurement by governments and international organizations, such as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and UNICEF. The WHO believes that this will help scale up distribution in regions hardest hit by the virus, particularly in Africa.
Furthermore, prequalification can expedite regulatory approval processes in other countries, ensuring that the vaccine is made available to people worldwide as quickly as possible. In this context, donations and vaccine production need to ramp up significantly to meet the growing demand.
A Global Effort to Contain Mpox
The WHO’s latest move highlights the global effort to combat mpox through equitable vaccine access. The organization is urging all stakeholders—vaccine manufacturers, governments, and international agencies—to work together to expand vaccine production and distribution. With timely vaccination, it is hoped that the current outbreak can be contained, and future outbreaks can be mitigated.
As the situation unfolds, the WHO’s focus remains on ensuring that those most vulnerable to mpox, particularly in underserved regions, receive the protection they need. This development marks a crucial step forward in reducing the impact of the disease and protecting global health.
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For more details on the vaccine and its approval process, you can follow the official WHO announcement here.
