Bhawna Thakur
North News
Chandigarh, September 14
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced the prequalification of the first Mpox vaccine, MVA-BN, on September 13. This milestone confirms that the vaccine meets international standards for safety, efficacy, and quality, marking a significant development in global health. Mpox, a growing global concern, has affected over 120 countries, with more than 103,000 confirmed cases since the outbreak began in 2022, according to WHO data from September 8. In 2024 alone, 25,237 suspected and confirmed cases and 723 deaths have been reported across 14 countries in the African region.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of this vaccine. “This first prequalification of a vaccine against Mpox is a crucial step in combating the disease, especially in the context of the current outbreaks in Africa. We urgently need to scale up procurement, donations, and vaccine rollout to ensure equitable access alongside other public health tools to prevent infections, stop transmission, and save lives.”
The MVA-BN vaccine is approved for people over 18 and is administered as a 2-dose injection, four weeks apart. It can be stored at 2–8°C for up to 8 weeks after cold storage.
This development is expected to strengthen global vaccination efforts and improve control over Mpox outbreaks worldwide. The WHO’s prequalification process ensures that vaccines undergo rigorous evaluation, providing confidence in their safety and effectiveness in various regions and settings.
