The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially approved the first mpox vaccine for children, a critical step in combating the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other parts of Africa. Health experts hope this decision will expand immunization efforts for one of the most vulnerable populations affected by the virus.
WHO Authorizes Pediatric Mpox Vaccine
On Tuesday, WHO announced the approval of a single-dose mpox vaccine developed by Japanese pharmaceutical company KM Biologics for children over the age of one. This marks the first time a vaccine has been authorized specifically for pediatric use in the fight against mpox.
The decision follows alarming reports from the humanitarian organization Save the Children, which recently noted a 130% surge in mpox cases among children under 18 in the DRC. The organization estimates there are now over 25,000 suspected cases across the country.
Children Face Higher Risk of Severe Mpox Cases
According to health experts, children are four times more likely than adults to die from the latest strain of mpox, which was first identified in eastern Congo earlier this year. Mpox, a viral disease related to smallpox, typically causes symptoms such as fever, rash, painful lesions, and fatigue.
Dr. Katia Vieira de Moraes LaCasse of Save the Children highlighted the increased risks for children, stating:
“Children are especially vulnerable to mpox. They explore by touch and taste, don’t always understand health guidance, and have weaker immune systems than adults.”
Mpox Outbreak Worsens in Central Africa
The current outbreak in Africa has disproportionately impacted children in Congo and neighboring Burundi, which together account for over 90% of Africa’s mpox cases. While the WHO had previously approved an mpox vaccine from Bavarian Nordic for adults, it had only been recommended for children under emergency use situations due to limited pediatric data.
WHO Expands Global Response Efforts
Health officials report that while cases in eastern Congo may be stabilizing, infections are rising in Burundi and Uganda. To date, 50,000 people in Congo have been vaccinated with the Bavarian Nordic vaccine.
Japan has pledged to donate three million doses of the KM Biologics vaccine to the DRC, though WHO has not confirmed whether shipments have arrived.
On Friday, WHO’s expert committee will convene to reassess whether the current mpox outbreaks in Africa still constitute a global health emergency, a designation that has been in place since August.
Mpox in Africa: Latest Statistics
- 46,000+ suspected mpox cases reported across Africa during the outbreak.
- 1,081 confirmed deaths from the virus.
- 130% increase in pediatric mpox cases in Congo.
Final Thoughts: Prioritizing Pediatric Vaccination
The WHO’s authorization of the first pediatric mpox vaccine is a crucial milestone in the global fight against the virus. With rising infections in Africa, increased vaccination efforts will be essential to protecting vulnerable populations, particularly children.
Source: AP News