Advancing equity, from COVID-19 to Mpox

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox (formerly monkeypox) a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), following an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and its spread to several other African countries. This declaration is notable as it is the first PHEIC under the revised International Health Regulations (IHR) that incorporate equity as a core principle. Concurrently, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (AfricaCDC) has declared a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) for the same outbreak.

Response to the Outbreak

• PHEIC Declaration: The declaration aims to foster international cooperation, prompting countries, organizations, and NGOs to collaborate, share information, and mobilize resources.
• Resource Mobilization: The declaration should lead to the rapid allocation of financial and technical resources, including emergency funding and medical supplies.
• Precedent of COVID-19: This approach mirrors the COVID-19 response, highlighting the need for a coordinated global effort.

Vaccine Production and Availability

• Existing Vaccine: The MVA-BN vaccine, already approved and in production by Bavarian Nordic, offers a key advantage over the COVID-19 pandemic, with an available vaccine for mpox.
• Production Capacity: Bavarian Nordic can produce up to 10 million doses by the end of 2025, but current availability is limited, underscoring the need for increased production.
• Role of India: Indian manufacturers, with their experience and infrastructure, are well-positioned to scale up production and reduce vaccine costs.

Technology Transfer and Equity

• Need for Technology Transfer: Effective response requires comprehensive technology transfers, including sharing biological resources, know-how, and patents.
• Global Cooperation: The Indian government should work with international bodies and manufacturers to negotiate technology transfers and support equitable vaccine access.
• Regulatory Changes: India's recent waiver of clinical trial requirements for approved drugs could expedite the availability of critical vaccines like MVA-BN.

Practice Question

Discuss the implications of the World Health Organization’s declaration of mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in the context of global health governance. How can technology transfer and international cooperation enhance the response to such outbreaks?