Global Vaccine Stockpiles Could Combat Africa's Mpox Outbreak

Rich countries have hundreds of millions of vaccine doses that could help address Africa’s urgent mpox outbreak. These doses are crucial as less than 4 million out of an estimated 18 to 22 million needed doses have been pledged. Countries like the U.S., Canada, and Japan are being called upon to donate more.

Rich nations have hundreds of millions of vaccine doses that could help curtail Africa’s urgent mpox outbreak, where donated vaccines significantly fall short, according to data from public statements, documents, and non-governmental estimates.

Countries like Japan, the U.S., and Canada have stockpiled these vaccines for years in anticipation of a smallpox resurgence. A small fraction of these doses could mitigate what experts deem the worst mpox outbreak, currently affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring regions.

Less than 4 million doses have been pledged out of the 18 to 22 million required. "Vaccines are useless on shelves," said Maria Van Kerkhove of WHO. She and Africa’s CDC stress the need for faster donations to tackle the outbreak effectively.