The World Health Organization is urging manufacturers to increase production of mpox vaccines to combat the spread of a more dangerous strain of the virus. The WHO has declared the surge in mpox cases a global public health emergency, with cases rising in the Democratic Republic of Congo and spreading to other countries.
Manufacturers are being asked to scale up production to provide access to more vaccines. Countries with mpox vaccine stockpiles are encouraged to donate them to those with ongoing outbreaks. Two main vaccines, MVA-BN and LC16, are currently in use.
The WHO is working to facilitate donations and is issuing temporary recommendations on handling the mpox surge. The upsurge in the DRC is driven by different strains of the virus, with Clade 1b being especially concerning due to its rapid spread through sexual transmission among adults.
It is vital for countries with vaccine stockpiles to donate as many doses as possible to affected countries. The WHO’s highest alarm highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive international response to bring the outbreaks under control.
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