We have a new(ish) outbreak in the world: mpox (formerly monkeypox). You may recall the viral outbreak in 2022, which subsided in July of last year. This new outbreak of mpox has evolved with different clades and is mostly limited to countries in Africa. However, it’s a growing concern for the rest of the world, as the first cases outside Africa were recently reported in Sweden, Thailand, and India.
The U.S. announced last month that it will donate 1 million vaccine doses to African countries, plus at least $500 million to help them respond. While declaring the news at the United Nations General Assembly, President Biden also called on other countries to respond in kind. The WHO reports that at least 5.4 million doses have been pledged in total so far.
This is not the only positive news on the mpox front, as a Moderna messenger RNA-based mpox vaccine was recently shown to provide greater disease prevention compared to one using the same platform as Bavarian Nordic’s Jynneos vaccine. In primate studies, both vaccines prevented mortality after vaccination followed by what would typically be a lethal mpox challenge. While some subjects given the Moderna vaccine developed lesions, none were considered grave or severe. Meanwhile, two-thirds of primates receiving the comparison vaccine developed a “grave” level of the disease. The Moderna vaccine is currently in Phase 1 / 2 clinical trials.
Why We Need to Make Greater Strides with Mpox Vaccination
In August, the WHO declared mpox a global emergency, designed to encourage other countries and agencies/organizations like Gavi, Unicef, and drug manufacturers to bring vaccines, testing, and treatments to the affected areas. There’s a severe vaccine shortage, as Africa needs approximately 10 million vaccine doses and only has a supply of about 50,000 to 99,000 in hand. The U.S. donation and those from other countries will make a dent in that need, but countries experiencing large outbreaks are still waiting for adequate vaccine supplies. According to reports, several hundred million doses are stockpiled and available in countries like the U.S., Japan, and Canada, reserved for potential smallpox usage.
As of early September, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Nigeria were the only two African countries with any mpox vaccines, but it’s not nearly enough to prevent the rising threat. DRC is yet to begin its vaccination campaign, even months after the threat was first identified.
The WHO and other global public health officials do not expect mpox to turn into a pandemic. Yet the least costly and most humane way to address this outbreak, and any others, is to go in aggressively, while it’s still in its early stage. In September, the WHO estimated that over six months, it would cost $290 million to control acute outbreaks alone. This figure does not include vaccine costs, to procure or distribute the vaccines. This is a relatively small price to pay compared to the devastation the world could face if mpox continues spreading. More countries and companies need to step up and contribute.
We Can Stop Mpox
Vaccine hesitancy is a major concern with mpox and other diseases, and the WHO considers it a danger to global health. Studies show vaccine hesitancy has increased since the COVID pandemic. This includes in the U.S., where more parents are opting not to give their children routine vaccinations. Oregon’s recent measles outbreak is one concerning example, as it’s the largest rash of measles in the state since 1991.
Science has shown that it can halt - and even eliminate disease - through vaccination. Vaccine programs for diseases like mpox or measles take sustained effort and are quite costly. But they’ve been shown to improve health and save lives.
We are fortunate not to be starting from scratch with mpox vaccines, as we did during COVID. Yet, just as with the COVID pandemic, we need international cooperation to get the vaccines to those with the greatest need in Africa and beyond.
During my time as a board member of Population Services International (PSI), I’ve seen firsthand how important locally-led but globally connected organizations are in helping improve community health. We know it takes a village – or in this case, the world – to look out for the public interest and provide the precious vaccinations our pharmaceutical community created to address these vital needs. Early intervention and vaccine promotion are key.
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