Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, spreads through close physical contact and can lead to severe symptoms such as painful rashes, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.

To address the urgent need for vaccines, Gavi has established a $500 million First Response Fund aimed at ensuring rapid access to vaccines during health emergencies.

Approximately 3.6 million vaccine doses for African countries have been secured and are beginning to be delivered, with the DRC expected to receive the majority of these donations.

Current data suggests that a single dose of the vaccine has an estimated effectiveness of 76%, while two doses increase that effectiveness to 82% against mpox.

Vaccination efforts face significant logistical challenges, as the vaccine is currently approved only for adults, and there is limited evidence regarding its effectiveness in children.

Despite being a priority area for the South Kivu response, Kamituga has yet to receive any vaccine doses, highlighting the urgent need for supplies.

EU countries have pledged to donate over 500,000 additional doses, although the timeline for delivery remains uncertain.

Congo's government has allocated over $190 million for the mpox response, including the purchase of 3 million vaccine doses, but only 250,000 doses have arrived so far.

Campaigners for equitable access to medical treatment are advocating for faster vaccine deliveries and reduced prices to ensure fair access for affected populations.

Health experts emphasize that with appropriate funding and action, the outbreak could be contained quickly due to the limited geographical area affected.

An mpox outbreak is currently affecting 14 African countries, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) being the epicenter, reporting nearly 22,000 cases and over 700 deaths since the beginning of the year.

The World Health Organization declared mpox a public health emergency in August, prompting the decision to purchase vaccines to combat the outbreak.