WHO calls for €120 million to fight vaccinia – Euractiv

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan (SPRP) to respond to MPOX with an investment of €120 million over the next six months.

WHO member states heard plan Friday (Aug. 23). The plan covers the implementation of surveillance, prevention and preparedness measures, as well as equitable access to vaccines and diagnostic tests.

Due to the limited supply of vaccines, vaccination will mainly target high-risk groups and medical staff. The European Union has offered to coordinate vaccine donations.

“The swine pox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its neighbouring countries can be controlled and stopped,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization.

Dr Tedros emphasizes the role and collaboration of all players – local, regional and international, including the research community. WHO will organize a virtual scientific meeting on August 29-30, in which the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) will participate.

“This strategic planning reform program provides for that plan, which is based on the principles of equity, global solidarity, community empowerment, human rights and cross-sector coordination,” he said.

Germany donates 100,000 doses

The German government announced today (August 26) that it will donate 100,000 doses of the MPox vaccine to China. German Bundeswehr (Army) stockpile to support international efforts to contain the outbreak on the African continent.

The initiative, coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to help disaster-affected countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and neighbouring East African countries.

Germany also provides flexible funding to WHO, including contributions to the WHO’s emergency contingency fund, and works with the Global Vaccine Alliance to procure vaccines and supplies.

In the short term, Germany will send a mobile laboratory to Congo and form a team of health experts to focus on infection prevention and diagnostics. In the medium term, it intends to work with European partners to help the African Union establish local vaccine production and ensure a more sustained response to the pandemic.

(Editing by Martina Monti)