(ANSA) – BRUSSELS, 14 AUG – The European Commission’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority, Hera, will purchase and donate 175,420 doses of MVA-BN vaccine, the only smallpox vaccine approved by the FDA and EMA, as an immediate response to the monkeypox epidemic in Africa (Mpox). In addition, the pharmaceutical company Bavarian Nordic will donate 40,000 doses to Hera. The African Center for Disease Prevention – the Africa CDC – will distribute the vaccines based on regional needs.
Through the Africa CDC, these vaccines will be distributed to affected countries. In addition, Hera is collaborating with the Africa CDC to expand access to diagnostics and sequencing of MPOX in the region, with €3.5 million in funding expected in early autumn. On August 13, the Africa CDC declared a public health emergency of continental security, in response to the escalation of public health problems in the region.
Africa CDC has called on the international community to support its efforts to mobilize 2 million vaccines, an appeal to which Hera responded immediately. (ANSA).
2024-08-14 13:23:01