In addition, the current price of the MVA-BN vaccine is prohibitive for most low- and middle-income countries where Mpox is endemic or currently spreading. Therefore, the company producing the vaccine, Bavarian Nordic, must review its pricing policy and urgently seek a partnership with one of the emerging vaccine manufacturers in Africa to achieve full and timely technology transfer so that in the future a vaccine that protects against a disease endemic in Africa can also be produced on the African continent.
All relevant parties must also find a legal arrangement for any compensation arising from the use of MVA-BN vaccine in children and adolescents during this outbreak, such as a no-fault compensation fund. The pediatric use of MVA-BN was recommended by the US CDC during the 2022 Mpox outbreak and by the WHO Strategic Advisory Group on the Immunization of Children at Increased Risk of Acquiring Mpox.
“As the Mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to spread rapidly, the situation is urgent,” said Dr. Eyong. “All necessary steps must be taken to get Mpox vaccines to the adults and children who need them now.”
MSF is also calling on WHO to speed up the process of granting emergency authorization for the two Mpox vaccines that have already been approved by WHO-listed national regulatory authorities. The emergency authorization will encourage manufacturers to increase their production of the Mpox vaccines and enable Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and UNICEF to procure these vaccines for distribution.
MSF has mobilised emergency teams in recent months to respond to the Mpox epidemic across the Democratic Republic of Congo. They are on the ground in the provinces of South Kivu, North Kivu, Equateur and South Ubangi to support local health authorities. More than 1,159 patients have been treated since 17 June.
