Vaccine Purchases from Europe and Other Regions
"Africa Has Been Managing with Smallpox Vaccines"
[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] As European countries actively respond by securing vaccines to prevent the spread of monkeypox within their borders, the head of Africa's top public health organization has warned against hoarding monkeypox vaccines.
According to Reuters on the 26th (local time), Ahmed Ogwell Ouma, acting director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stated, "Vaccines should go fairly to the places most in need and based on risk. Who can buy them should not be the criterion."
Monkeypox is endemic in African countries such as Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Nigeria. However, since early May, more than 200 suspected and confirmed cases have been reported mainly in European countries including the United Kingdom and Germany.
Germany ordered 40,000 doses of smallpox vaccine from the Danish vaccine manufacturer Bavarian Nordic immediately after a monkeypox infection was reported. Denmark also announced it would provide vaccines to people who had close contact with monkeypox patients.
The United Kingdom has also been providing vaccines to healthcare workers and close contacts since last week, and the United States is expected to announce its monkeypox vaccine supply plan on the 30th.
Acting Director Ogwell Ouma emphasized, "South African disease experts believe that global vaccination against monkeypox is not necessary," adding, "Africa has managed monkeypox outbreaks using smallpox vaccines. The general public hoarding smallpox vaccines should not put pressure on the supply for those most at risk."
Regarding vaccine supply, he explained, "Frontline healthcare workers are the priority, followed by communities where the disease first emerged, ahead of the general public."
Acting Director Ogwell Ouma added, "We know how to deal with it," and "We are pleased to share the knowledge, experience, and technology accumulated over time with the countries currently experiencing monkeypox outbreaks."
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