Adam Hartley
New Delhi August 26
The African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is in talks with Bavarian Nordic to facilitate technology transfer to African manufacturers for the production of mpox vaccines. Africa CDC has committed to securing 10 million vaccine doses by the end of 2025, a critical step in containing the ongoing outbreak, which has seen a sharp rise in cases across the continent. The announcement comes after Africa CDC declared mpox a public health emergency of continental security.
Bavarian Nordic, a Danish biotechnology company, is currently the sole producer of a globally approved mpox vaccine. The company plans to manufacture 8 million doses for Africa by 2025, following its key role in addressing the 2022-2023 mpox outbreak with the Jynneos vaccine, also known as Imvanex. The partnership is aimed at improving vaccine access and reducing production costs in Africa, a move seen as crucial in the continent’s fight against the virus.
Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, confirmed discussions with Bavarian Nordic and stressed the importance of local manufacturing to ensure affordability without compromising quality.
“Africa CDC is engaged in discussions with Bavarian Nordic to facilitate technology transfer for vaccine production by African manufacturers,” Dr. Kaseya said during his address on the mpox outbreak and other health emergencies across the continent.
Dr. Kaseya also acknowledged the European Union’s contribution of 215,000 doses through its emergency humanitarian initiative. He emphasised the need for stronger communication and cooperation among African states to support the distribution of vaccines.
“We have a concrete plan to secure 10 million doses in Africa by the end of 2025,” he affirmed. “We are collaborating with all African member states to reinforce vaccine supply and strengthen communication efforts to ensure the seamless introduction of this vaccine across the continent.”
Africa is currently facing a 160% increase in mpox cases compared to the same period in 2023, with over 18,910 cases and 541 deaths reported across 12 countries. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been particularly affected, with ongoing armed conflict in the eastern region complicating containment efforts. Dr. Kaseya praised regional leaders, including Angolan President João Lourenço, for facilitating ceasefire talks to support the outbreak response in affected areas like South Kivu.
Dr. Kaseya also commended South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for solidarity within Africa and with international partners. Ramaphosa, who serves as the African Union’s Champion on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response, has urged global collaboration to ensure that Africa CDC can lead the continent’s response efforts, highlighting the importance of a unified approach under the agency’s leadership.
### Children and Vulnerable Communities at High Risk
Children and vulnerable communities in eastern and southern Africa are bearing the brunt of the expanding mpox outbreak. More than 200 confirmed cases have been detected across five countries—Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa—according to a recent report by UNICEF (22 August 2024). The new variant of the mpox virus (clade Ib) has been identified in all affected countries except South Africa, raising concerns about its potential for wider transmission, particularly among young children.
Burundi has reported the highest number of infections in the region. As of 20 August 2024, 170 confirmed mpox cases have been detected across 26 of the country’s 49 districts, with 45.3% of cases being female. Children and adolescents under 20 years old account for nearly 60% of detected cases, and children under 5 comprise 21%.
The situation is exacerbated in Burundi due to concurrent measles outbreaks caused by low routine childhood immunisation rates and high malnutrition levels. Although the response to the outbreak is ongoing, the country faces multiple challenges, including a shortage of diagnostic test kits and medicines, low community awareness, high operational costs, and the risk of disruptions to essential healthcare services.
“The new strain of mpox poses a serious threat to vulnerable children and families. Beyond immediate lifesaving efforts, investments in health system strengthening, continuity of essential services, and programmes that support overall child well-being must be prioritised,” said UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa Etleva Kadilli.
### Broader Impact and Urgent Response
Beyond the direct health impact, concerns are growing over the secondary effects of mpox outbreaks on children and adolescents, including stigma, discrimination, and disruptions to schooling. Women and girls are also at heightened risk of gender-based violence as they bear the burden of caregiving responsibilities, as seen in previous public health emergencies. Drawing on lessons from past crises, including HIV, COVID-19, and Ebola, UNICEF has called for a concerted effort to support survivors, combat stigma, and ensure the continuity of basic social services, particularly education and reintegration into schools and communities.
In addition to battling the mpox outbreak, Kenya, Burundi, and Uganda are also grappling with multiple emergencies, including droughts and floods.
“In the fight against mpox, prioritising the needs of children is not just necessary—it’s urgent. Their heightened vulnerability requires our full attention and resources to ensure their protection and well-being during this critical response phase,” Kadilli added.
UNICEF, in collaboration with WHO and Africa CDC, is responding to the mpox outbreak as part of government-led efforts with local partners. UNICEF is focusing on risk communication, community engagement, and infection prevention measures, including personal hygiene awareness. The organisation is appealing for an urgent USD 16.5 million to scale up response and preparedness efforts across the region.
