BRUSSELS, 14th August, 2024 (WAM) -- The European Commission's Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority, HERA, announced that it will procure and donate 175,420 doses of the MVA-BN mpox vaccine, as an immediate response to the mpox outbreak in Africa.
Through the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), these vaccines will be distributed to affected countries.
Furthermore, HERA is in collaboration with the Africa CDC with the aim to expand access to mpox diagnostics and sequencing in the region, with a €3.5 million grant foreseen for early autumn.
Africa CDC declared on 13th August a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security, to respond to the escalating public health concern across the region.
Africa CDC has called upon the international community to support its efforts in mobilising 2 million vaccines.