Mpox vaccine access must be dramatically increased – Doctors Without Borders (MSF-USA)

Additionally, the current price of the MVA-BN vaccine is out of reach for most low- and middle-income countries where mpox is endemic or is currently spreading. Therefore, the company that makes it, Bavarian Nordic, must review its pricing policy, and urgently seek partnership with one of the emerging vaccine manufacturers in Africa for a full and timely tech transfer so a vaccine protecting against a disease that is endemic to Africa can also be produced on the African continent in the future.

All relevant parties must also find a legal arrangement for any compensation that stems from the use of the MVA-BN vaccine in children and adolescents during this outbreak, such as a no-fault compensation fund. The pediatric use of MVA-BN was recommended by the United States CDC during the 2022 mpox outbreak and by the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization among children with increased risk of contracting mpox.

With the mpox outbreak in DRC continuing to evolve rapidly, the situation is urgent, Dr. Eyong said. Every necessary step must be taken to get mpox vaccines to the adults and children who need them now.

MSF is also calling for the WHO to accelerate the Emergency Use Listing (EUL) Procedure of the two mpox vaccines already approved by WHO-listed national regulatory authorities. EUL will encourage manufacturers to increase their production of the mpox vaccines, and allow Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, and UNICEF to procure these vaccines for distribution.

MSF has been mobilizing emergency teams over the last couple months to respond to the mpox epidemic across DRC. They are on the ground in South Kivu, North Kivu, Equateur, and South Ubangi provinces to support the local health authorities. More than 1,159 patients have been treated since June 17.

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Mpox vaccine access must be dramatically increased - Doctors Without Borders (MSF-USA)