UNICEF Launches Emergency Tender for Mpox Vaccines Amid Outbreak in Africa

UNICEF announced on Saturday that it has initiated an emergency tender for mpox vaccines to support countries hardest hit by the ongoing outbreak. The tender aims to secure immediate access to available vaccines and boost production.

In collaboration with the World Health Organization, Gavi, and Africa CDC, UNICEF plans to establish agreements for up to 12 million doses through 2025, contingent on demand, manufacturing capacity, and funding. These agreements will enable UNICEF to quickly purchase and distribute vaccines once countries confirm financing and meet regulatory requirements.

The WHO declared an international emergency on August 14 due to a surge in cases of the new Clade 1b strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where over 18,000 suspected cases and 629 deaths have been reported this year.