The UK government has taken proactive measures to strengthen its defenses against the ongoing mpox outbreak, procuring over 150,000 doses of the mpox vaccine from Bavarian Nordic A/S. These vaccines will be strategically distributed throughout the country, with the National Health Service (NHS) prioritizing individuals who are at a higher risk of exposure to the virus. This move underscores the UK’s commitment to safeguarding its population from the spread of mpox, especially as concerns regarding the virus’s transmission rise globally.
The acquisition of these vaccines comes amidst a global surge in mpox cases, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and parts of Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and the need for coordinated international efforts to combat the virus’s spread.
The UK’s commitment to addressing the mpox outbreak goes beyond vaccine procurement. The government has pledged significant financial support to partner with UNICEF and strengthen the DRC’s response to both mpox and cholera outbreaks, benefiting 4.4 million people in affected areas.
In addition to its direct contributions, the UK has been a strong advocate for global health security, committing 340 million pounds from 2020 to 2024 to support global health emergency preparedness and response efforts. This includes an additional 3 million pounds provided to the WHO’s Regional Office for Africa to address regional health emergencies. The UK is also a major contributor to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, contributing 1.65 billion pounds from 2021 to 2025. Gavi’s role in the global vaccine response is crucial, and their efforts have facilitated the disbursement of $2.9 million to assist the DRC’s vaccination campaign against mpox.
Bavarian Nordic has also taken steps to expand the availability of its Imvanex (MVA-BN) smallpox and mpox vaccine, submitting clinical data to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to support the extension of its indication to include adolescents aged 12 to 17 years. This move is aimed at widening access to the vaccine and ensuring a robust response to the mpox threat across all age groups.
The UK’s proactive approach to tackling the mpox outbreak, including its commitment to vaccine acquisition, international collaboration, and financial support, underscores its dedication to global health security and its role in leading the fight against this emerging health threat.
