African countries affected by mpox still awaiting vaccines despite Western promises | Global development

The African countries affected by the new variant of mpox are facing delays in receiving promised vaccines, hindering the planned rollout. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been hit hard, with other countries also reporting cases. Despite assurances, vaccine donations have not arrived on time, causing concerns about the lack of a coordinated response. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is underfunded, with reliance on donations from richer nations exacerbating the situation. Dr. Dimie Ogoina emphasizes the need for African countries to invest in disease protection to avoid dependency on donors. The WHO has declared a public health emergency due to the high mortality rate, especially among children.

Challenges in accessing vaccines have sparked calls for lower pricing and equitable distribution. There are concerns about a vaccine monopoly and the need for sustained political and financial support to combat the outbreak effectively. While promises have been made, the focus must remain on long-term commitment to addressing the crisis.

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