WHO launches AAM for Mpox countermeasures

SWITZERLAND—The World Health Organization (WHO), in partnership with its Member States and global partners, has established an Access and Allocation Mechanism (AAM) for mpox countermeasures.

This includes immunizations, treatments, and diagnostic technologies designed to increase access for those most at risk while also ensuring that finite resources are used efficiently and fairly.

This project is part of WHO’s response to the public health emergency proclaimed by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on August 14, 2024, as a result of a rapid increase in mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and nearby countries.

So far this year, fifteen African countries have reported mpox cases, and the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee’s recommendations urge states to prioritise equitable access to safe, effective, and quality-assured mpox countermeasures.

Dr. Tedros emphasized the importance of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics in controlling mpox outbreaks in Africa, alongside other public health interventions.

 He further pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for international collaboration to ensure equitable access to such tools, especially in regions where they are most needed.

He called on countries with available vaccine supplies to donate to help prevent infections, curb transmission, and save lives.

The AAM is part of the interim Medical Countermeasures Network (i-MCM-Net), which includes partners from various sectors, such as the United Nations, health organizations, civil society, and the private sector.

 This network aims to create an effective ecosystem for the development, production, and distribution of medical countermeasures.

WHO Member States endorsed this interim network while negotiations are ongoing for a global pandemic agreement.

Key members of the i-MCM-Net involved in the AAM for mpox include the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, the EU’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority, FIND, Gavi, the PAHO Revolving Fund, UNICEF, and Unitaid, among others.

Over 3.6 million doses of mpox vaccines have been pledged, with Japan contributing the largest share of 3 million doses of the LC16 vaccine.

Additionally, the European Commission, along with Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Spain, the USA, and vaccine manufacturer Bavarian Nordic, has committed 620,000 doses of the MVA-BN vaccine to affected countries.

This surge in mpox cases, coupled with limited vaccine availability, highlights the critical need for a transparent and collaborative approach to distributing medical countermeasures.

The AAM is tasked with allocating vaccines and diagnostics to those at the highest risk, including contacts of confirmed cases.

It will also provide access to point-of-care diagnostics for countries currently battling mpox outbreaks, allowing suspected cases to be tested and managed systematically.

The AAM’s strategy is to prioritize the prevention of illness and death by interrupting transmission through targeted vaccination and diagnostics for those most at risk.

Moreover, the mechanism seeks to mitigate inequity by ensuring that all at-risk populations have access to countermeasures, regardless of their socio-economic status or background.

Transparency and adaptability are also key principles, with the AAM committing to clear communication on allocation decisions and the flexibility to adjust its strategies based on emerging data or changing situations.

Dr. Mike Ryan, Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, stated that WHO and its partners are taking an integrated approach to supporting governments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other affected nations.

This includes case detection, contact tracing, targeted vaccination, clinical and home care, infection prevention, community engagement, and logistical support.

 He added that the AAM will ensure a steady supply of vaccines and other tools, essential for halting transmission and alleviating suffering in these regions.

Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and  insights from Africa and the World HERE