The World Health Organization (WHO) recently approved MVA-BN, the first vaccine for monkeypox, also known as Mpox. Developed by Bavarian Nordic A/S, the vaccine is administered in two doses, four weeks apart, for individuals aged 18 and above. A single dose is 76% effective, while two doses boost efficacy to 82%. This approval is a significant step in combating the virus, which has spread to 121 countries, causing 500 fatalities in 2024 alone. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of scaling up vaccine distribution, particularly in high-risk areas.
Global Response to Outbreaks
The Mpox virus has been declared a public health emergency. The MVA-BN vaccine’s approval by WHO will help international agencies like Gavi and Unicef procure vaccines for vulnerable communities.
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WHO Assistant Director-General Yukiko Nakatani highlighted that this decision will expedite regulatory approvals globally, ensuring timely access to the vaccine, especially in Africa, where the virus is widespread. Mpox is transmitted through contact with infected animals or individuals, with symptoms ranging from fever to chickenpox-like blisters.
Pakistan’s Situation and Vaccine Rollout
Pakistan has reported six Mpox cases since the WHO declared it a global health emergency. The WHO’s approval of the MVA-BN vaccine aims to reduce transmission rates and protect high-risk groups. While the vaccine is not licensed for individuals under 18, it can be used “off-label” in children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems.
The vaccine’s storage capabilities, lasting up to eight weeks at 2-8°C, will facilitate broader distribution in affected regions. The WHO is calling for urgent action to ensure equitable access to the vaccine, especially for low-income countries.
The WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) recommended MVA-BN for high-risk individuals. WHO also highlighted the need for continued research to improve understanding of the vaccine’s long-term efficacy. As international agencies collaborate to ensure global distribution, the approval marks a hopeful step in curbing the Mpox outbreak, with plans for further scaling up vaccine production to prevent future outbreaks.