COPENHAGEN, Denmark – Danish biotechnology company Bavarian Nordic has announced its commitment to donate 40,000 doses of its Mpox vaccine to Africa, following the continent’s recent declaration of a public health emergency. This donation is aimed at helping combat the ongoing Mpox outbreak, which has been spreading across several countries in Africa.
Bavarian Nordic also stated that the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) will procure an additional 175,420 doses of the vaccine and donate them to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The combined efforts of HERA and Bavarian Nordic are expected to significantly bolster Africa’s ability to manage and contain the outbreak.
Earlier on Tuesday, Africa CDC declared a “public health emergency of continental security” after the Mpox outbreak spread from the Democratic Republic of Congo to neighboring countries, prompting an urgent need for vaccine support.
Bavarian Nordic assured that the donation would not impact its financial outlook for 2024, emphasizing that the company remains committed to supporting global health initiatives without compromising its economic stability.
Mpox, a viral infection transmitted through close contact, causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. While most cases are mild, the disease can be fatal, particularly in vulnerable populations. The rapid response by Bavarian Nordic and European health authorities is seen as a critical step in addressing the public health threat posed by the outbreak.
Reuters
