The Democratic Republic of Congo received its first shipment of mpox vaccines on Thursday, marking a significant step in combating the ongoing outbreak. This comes after the World Health Organization declared the mpox outbreaks in 12 African countries a global health emergency. The vaccines, donated by the European Union, are expected to help address the inequity in access to vaccines between African nations and wealthier countries.
As the mpox outbreak intensifies in Africa, concerns are rising that Europe might repeat its Covid-19 vaccine hoarding mistakes, leaving African nations without sufficient doses. While Europe has pledged hundreds of thousands of doses, experts believe Africa needs significantly more, with the DRC alone requiring 3.5 million doses. Despite pledges, evidence suggests Europe is holding onto millions of doses, raising ethical questions about vaccine distribution.
