The World Health Organization (WHO) has granted its first authorization for a mpox vaccine, a significant step in combating the disease in Africa.

The vaccine, developed by Bavarian Nordic A/S, can now be purchased by donors like Gavi and UNICEF. However, supply is limited due to the sole manufacturer.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of this approval in both the current African outbreaks and future mpox cases. To ensure equitable distribution of tests, treatments, and vaccines, WHO is establishing an access and allocation mechanism.

The approved mpox vaccine is intended for adults aged 18 and above. While not recommended for those under 18, it may be used in children and adolescents during outbreaks where the benefits outweigh the risks.

The vaccine has previously been authorized in numerous wealthy countries during the global mpox outbreak of 2022. While it has been effective in slowing the virus’ spread among adults, evidence for its efficacy in children is limited.

The Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention noted that nearly 70% of cases in Congo, the hardest-hit country, are in children under 15, who also account for 85% of deaths.Overall, WHO has confirmed over 103,000 mpox cases in 120 countries since the outbreak began two years ago. As of Sunday, 723 people in Africa have died from the disease.

African experts estimate needing approximately 10 million vaccines to stop the ongoing outbreaks on the continent, while donor countries have pledged about 3.6 million. Congo, the most-affected country, has only received around 250,000 doses.

Last week, the Africa CDC reported 107 new deaths and 3,160 new cases, just a week after launching a continental response plan with WHO.

Mpox, a milder cousin of smallpox, causes symptoms like fever, chills, and body aches. Severe cases can lead to lesions on the face, hands, chest, and genitals.