Despite stockpiles ready for distribution, delivery of Mpox vaccines to African nations in dire need remains hampered by intricate regulatory processes under the guidance of the World Health Organization (WHO). This has raised significant concerns about preparedness and response to potential health crises in the region.
As the world focuses on global health security, the situation in Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, stands out as a critical concern. The country, which is at the center of the recently declared Mpox health emergency, has been waiting for vaccines for over two years, a demand that remains unmet to this day.
Dr. Samuel-Roger Kamba, Congo’s health minister, stressed the urgency of the situation, saying immediate access to vaccines was crucial to prevent a wider spread of the disease. However, the path to acquiring these vaccines is complicated by a labyrinthine approval process at the WHO, which oversees drug regulations.
This delay not only impacts the affected regions, but also raises questions about the effectiveness of international health governance systems in responding to emergencies. The availability of Mpox vaccines in Western countries contrasts sharply with their absence in regions such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, highlighting the disparities in the distribution of global health resources.
The ongoing struggle to get Mpox vaccines to those who need them most underscores the need for a more streamlined and responsive regulatory framework that can adapt more effectively to the urgency of global health threats.
