Germany has announced the donation of 100,000 doses of the mpox vaccine from its military stockpiles to African countries grappling with severe outbreaks of the virus.
The decision, disclosed on Monday by a government spokesperson, is part of Germany’s effort to help contain the spread of the virus and provide immediate support to the affected regions.
This vaccine donation aligns with Germany’s broader strategy to assist the World Health Organization (WHO) in its fight against the mpox virus. In addition to the vaccine contribution, Germany plans to offer flexible financial resources to the WHO and support African partners through the GAVI vaccination alliance.
This multi-faceted approach underscores Germany’s ongoing commitment to global health and its dedication to combating infectious diseases.
The vaccines being donated are part of Germany’s stockpile of approximately 117,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine, which was procured in 2022 and maintained by the German army. While the bulk of the stockpile is being donated, the German Defense Ministry has stated that a minimal reserve will be retained to protect traveling officials and military personnel. Decisions regarding any future reorders of the vaccine will be made based on evolving needs.
This donation comes in the wake of the World Health Organization declaring mpox a global public health emergency. The outbreak, which began in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has since spread to neighboring countries, heightening the urgency for international support and intervention.
A newly identified variant of the virus, known as clade Ib, has heightened concerns due to its rapid transmission rate.
Efforts are being made to ensure the vaccines reach the affected regions as swiftly as possible.
According to a foreign ministry spokesperson, the primary focus is on the DRC, with additional shipments planned for Burundi and other neighbouring countries in East Africa, where the outbreak has also taken hold.
The mpox crisis has been exacerbated by the ongoing humanitarian situation in Sudan, where deteriorating conditions have led to an increase in cholera infections, with nearly 600 cases reported since July.
This connection of multiple emergencies highlights the urgent need for coordinated international efforts to address both immediate and long-term public health challenges in the region.