The World Health Organization and the Africa Centers for Disease Control have launched a continent-wide plan to tackle the escalating mpox outbreak. However, with only 200,000 vaccines donated so far out of an estimated need of 3 million, serious questions remain about whether this response is sufficient.  

The $600 million plan focuses on surveillance, testing, and community engagement - all critical components. But the reality is that without enough vaccines, especially for children who are disproportionately affected in Congo and Burundi, containing this outbreak will be an uphill battle.  

It's concerning that the 200,000 donated doses from the EU only represent a fraction of what's needed. We must ask: Why aren't more vaccines available? Is there a lack of manufacturing capacity or political will behind this? The timeline for additional doses remains unclear, leaving affected populations in limbo. The emergency approval for adults to receive the vaccine is welcome news, but children remain vulnerable without an approved pediatric formulation. European regulators are examining data, but we can't afford to wait too long. Children should not be left behind.  

Basic public health measures like hygiene and isolation will still be crucial on-the-ground tools in fighting this outbreak. But implementing them consistently across Congo's vast geography is a huge challenge that shouldn't be underestimated.  

The WHO has declared mpox a global emergency, but the response so far seems to fall short of what's needed. We must question whether this is enough, and hold leaders accountable for mobilizing sufficient vaccines and support to get ahead of this crisis before it spirals

Mpox Outbreak: WHO & Africa CDC Mobilize, But Vaccines Fall Short

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