Kenya to Benefit From New Global Mpox Vaccine Stockpile
The stockpile was launched on August 27 and is expected to begin operations later this month, creating a long-term mechanism for countries to access vaccines during mpox outbreaks.
Kenya is set to benefit from a new global stockpile of mpox vaccines, designed to facilitate faster access to doses during outbreaks. Launched on August 27, the stockpile, approved by the Board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is expected to begin operations later this month. Funded by Gavi and coordinated by the International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision, the initiative brings together the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The new stockpile aims to ensure timely and equitable access to vaccines, with Africa accounting for about two-thirds of reported mpox cases. Between January 1, 2022, and July 31, 2026, 145 countries and territories reported 190,683 confirmed mpox cases and 529 deaths, underscoring the need for improved vaccine access. The WHO emphasizes that vaccination can help protect vulnerable populations and support faster containment of outbreaks.
Gavi CEO Dr Sania Nishtar highlighted the stockpile's role in addressing inequalities in access to mpox vaccines, particularly after lower-income countries faced challenges during the 2022 outbreak.
Brief written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
