African countries left in cold as mpox vaccine inequity hits hard

Mpox, also known as monkeypox, has been a reality in Africa for decades. This viral disease, which is similar to smallpox, was first identified in monkeys in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1958. Since then, it has spread to other parts of Africa, causing outbreaks and affecting thousands of people. Despite its long history on the continent, Africa still lacks access to vaccines for Mpox, highlighting stark inequities in global distribution as wealthier nations vaccinate their populations.

The recent outbreak of Mpox in Nigeria has once again brought attention to this issue. In September 2017, the first case of Mpox was reported in Nigeria, and since then, it has spread to 23 out of 36 states in the country. As of May 2021, there have been over 7,000 suspected and confirmed cases of Mpox in Nigeria, with 197 deaths. This outbreak has not only affected Nigeria but also neighboring countries, such as Cameroon, which reported its first case of Mpox in April 2018.

One of the main reasons for the spread of Mpox in Africa is the lack of access to vaccines. Currently, there is no licensed vaccine for Mpox, and the existing smallpox vaccine is not effective against this disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been working on developing a vaccine for Mpox, but it is still in the early stages of clinical trials. This means that countries in Africa, where Mpox is prevalent, have no means of preventing or controlling outbreaks.

The lack of access to vaccines for Mpox in Africa highlights the stark inequities in global distribution. While wealthier nations have been able to secure and administer vaccines for COVID-19, African countries are still struggling to access even basic vaccines for diseases like Mpox. This is not a new issue; it has been a recurring problem for many diseases that primarily affect developing countries. The global health community needs to address this issue and work towards more equitable distribution of vaccines.

The inequities in global distribution of vaccines are not only a moral issue but also a public health concern. As long as some countries are left behind in terms of access to vaccines, diseases like Mpox will continue to spread and pose a threat to global health security. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has shown us the devastating consequences of a virus spreading unchecked in one part of the world and then spreading to other countries. We cannot afford to let this happen with other diseases, especially those that have been around for decades.

One of the main barriers to accessing vaccines in Africa is the high cost. Developing a vaccine is a costly and time-consuming process, and pharmaceutical companies often prioritize diseases that affect wealthier nations. This leaves diseases like Mpox, which primarily affect developing countries, neglected. The high cost of vaccines also means that countries in Africa cannot afford to purchase them, even if they are available. This is where the international community needs to step in and provide support.

The WHO has been working with partners to address this issue through initiatives like the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP). The GVAP aims to increase access to vaccines for all people, regardless of their income or where they live. It also calls for increased investment in research and development of vaccines for diseases that primarily affect developing countries. This is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to ensure that these initiatives are fully funded and implemented.

In addition to addressing the issue of access to vaccines, there is also a need for increased surveillance and early detection of diseases like Mpox. This will help in containing outbreaks and preventing them from spreading to other countries. The WHO has been working with countries in Africa to strengthen their surveillance systems and improve their capacity to respond to outbreaks. This is crucial in preventing future outbreaks of Mpox and other diseases.

In conclusion, the recent outbreak of Mpox in Africa has once again highlighted the inequities in global distribution of vaccines. As wealthier nations vaccinate their populations against COVID-19, countries in Africa are still struggling to access basic vaccines for diseases like Mpox. This is a moral issue that needs to be addressed, and the international community must work together to ensure that all countries have access to life-saving vaccines. We cannot afford to leave anyone behind in the fight against diseases, and it is time for action to ensure a more equitable distribution of vaccines.