VOINews, Jenewa: The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Friday, September 13, its approval of the MVA-BN vaccine, developed by Bavarian Nordic A/S, as the first mpox vaccine to be included in its prequalification list. This decision marks a significant milestone in global health efforts to combat mpox outbreaks, especially in regions hardest hit by the disease, such as parts of Africa.
The prequalification status is expected to greatly enhance access to the vaccine in areas facing emergency outbreaks, providing a critical tool to reduce transmission and control the spread of the virus. With WHO's endorsement, global health agencies can now procure the vaccine more easily and distribute it to vulnerable populations in need.
"This first prequalification for an mpox vaccine is a crucial step in our ongoing battle against the disease, particularly in the context of the current outbreaks in Africa and for future preparedness," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Tedros emphasized that the vaccine will play a key role in ongoing and future containment efforts.
However, Tedros stressed that increasing vaccine procurement and distribution remains essential to ensure equitable access. "We must prioritize getting vaccines to the most vulnerable populations at risk of infection," he added. The MVA-BN vaccine is administered in two doses for adults aged 18 and over, with a four-week interval between the first and second doses.
WHO's Assistant Director-General Yukiko Nakatani highlighted the practical implications of the prequalification decision, noting that it would expedite the procurement process for international agencies. Additionally, it would streamline regulatory approvals for national health authorities, allowing the vaccine to reach affected regions more quickly.
Current data shows promising effectiveness for the vaccine, with a 76 percent efficacy rate after the first dose and 82 percent after the second dose. While these numbers are encouraging, WHO emphasized the importance of continuing to gather more comprehensive data on the vaccine's safety and long-term efficacy.
The WHO’s prequalification process plays a vital role in ensuring that vaccines meet global standards for safety, quality, and effectiveness. For the MVA-BN vaccine, this is a key step towards broader global distribution, which could help mitigate future outbreaks more effectively.
As the world faces an ongoing need for equitable health solutions, WHO's move to prequalify the MVA-BN vaccine underscores the importance of preparedness and collaboration in global public health efforts. This development offers hope that future mpox outbreaks can be more swiftly contained./ANTARA/VOI
