We’ve engaged manufacturers on mpox vaccine procurement, says Gavi

The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (Gavi) says it has expedited engagements with manufacturers of mpox vaccines in response to the recent outbreak in Africa.

In a statement on Friday, the vaccine alliance said it is deeply concerned about the escalating incidents of mpox on the continent.

It added that it welcomed the declaration of a public health emergency by the African Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and World Health Organisation (WHO).

“Working in collaboration with countries and partners, Gavi has been closely monitoring the mpox situation since 2022,” the statement reads.

“As a result, considerations related to mpox have helped inform both the design of Gavi’s new innovative health security mechanisms, aimed at addressing systemic gaps exposed during the COVID-19 vaccine response, as well as Gavi’s next five year strategy.

“In its next five-year strategic period, beginning 2026, Gavi will establish a global stockpile of mpox vaccines – similar to its existing stockpiles for cholera, Ebola, meningitis and yellow fever vaccines.

“Establishment of a stockpile is pending the availability of WHO Emergency Use Listing or prequalification of a recommended vaccine, and subject to fundraising for Gavi’s next strategic period.”

Gavi said it has been monitoring the mpox situation, and as an immediate measure, has formally declared the mpox situation a regional emergency.

The organisation said this would allow it to trigger certain additional flexibilities and streamline processes.

“Specifically, this could enable repurposing available funds in support of vaccine response (for example, funding for operational costs to support use of dose donations) and waiving of the formal independent review process for new vaccine introductions and campaigns,” the statement reads.

“Gavi has accelerated engagement with manufacturers, including Bavarian Nordic, for potential direct procurement of mpox vaccines in support of outbreak response.

“WHO has recently announced that two vaccines are under consideration for Emergency Use Listing, and this is an important interim measure enabling partners to act now, in advance of the longer timeframe expected for WHO prequalification.

“Building on the unique experience of working with 33 donors to coordinate the supply of nearly 1 billion dose donations to 114 countries in response to COVID-19, Gavi will offer direct support and share knowledge with countries and partners as requested, while working with them on designing in-country vaccination strategies.

“In a workshop last month, the Government of DRC, Africa CDC, Gavi, WHO, UNICEF, and other partners worked together to design a three-phase vaccine response strategy, informed by a collective understanding of the available supply of dose donations.

“In parallel, Gavi is offering to share legal and process knowledge and provide operational support to Africa CDC and other partners who are also engaged in sourcing dose donations.”