Civil Society Groups Call for Global Action on Mpox Vaccine Access

Civil society organizations in Uganda are urging immediate global cooperation to increase vaccine availability and simplify regulatory processes, following confirmed cases of Mpox in the country.

During a press briefing in Kampala, Henry Magala, Country Program Director of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) – Uganda Cares, warned that without swift intervention to improve vaccine access and distribution, Uganda risks an uncontrollable spread of the new clade 1b Mpox variant, originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), due to heavy cross-border movement.

Magala expressed frustration over the delay in vaccine approvals, pointing out that three years after the initial Mpox outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO) has yet to approve the MVA-BN and LC16 vaccines for use in developing countries, despite their approval in the United States and Europe.

“Africa’s response to the Mpox outbreak remains severely constrained by limited vaccine access and deep-rooted inequities. The vaccine’s cost, approximately $100 (UGX 370,000), is prohibitive, making it nearly impossible for many African nations to afford the necessary doses to protect their populations,” he said. Given the recent surge in Mpox cases, he emphasized that these delays are unacceptable.

“We call on global leaders to prioritize equitable vaccine access and work together to avoid a repeat of the devastating consequences we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Magala added.

Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, Director of Public Health at Uganda’s Ministry of Health, disclosed that the ministry is currently monitoring 46 individuals who had contact with confirmed Mpox patients. Uganda is actively treating six Mpox cases, bringing the total number of cases to 10, with infections reported in Mayuge, Wakiso, Kampala, and Kasese.

"The disease primarily affects people with compromised immune systems," Dr. Kyabayinze said. He noted that the virus is disproportionately affecting individuals under 40, a highly mobile and productive demographic.

Dr. Kyabayinze urged the public to take precautions to prevent further spread, including maintaining social distance, avoiding the sharing of personal items with infected individuals, and frequently washing hands with soap and water.

The World Health Organization (WHO) outlines common Mpox symptoms, which include a fluid-filled rash, fever, sore throat, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. Some patients may develop a rash as the first symptom, while others may initially experience fever, muscle pain, or a sore throat.