Uganda has taken a crucial step in its battle against the Mpox outbreak with the arrival of 10,000 doses of the MVA-BN vaccine, generously donated by the European Commission. This donation is part of a larger commitment by the European Commission through its Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) to aid African nations in managing health crises.
The vaccines, which arrived today, are expected to strengthen Uganda’s response to the ongoing Mpox cases that have been a growing concern for the public health system. The MVA-BN vaccine, specifically designed to prevent Mpox, will play a vital role in curbing the spread of the virus and protecting at-risk communities.
HERA’s support is not limited to Uganda alone. The organization has been actively involved in vaccine distribution across the African continent, contributing significantly to the global effort to contain the Mpox outbreak. In total, HERA has donated over 215,000 doses of the vaccine through the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), which has been the central recipient for vaccine deliveries aimed at tackling the epidemic.
Recent vaccine shipments from HERA have included 200,000 doses sent to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in September and an additional 5,420 doses delivered to Rwanda in October. These contributions highlight the collective commitment to tackling Mpox outbreaks in regions hardest hit by the disease.
Laurent Muschel, Head of HERA, underscored the importance of international cooperation in the fight against infectious diseases. “We made a commitment to address the Mpox outbreak in close cooperation with our partners,” he stated. “The 10,000 vaccine doses from HERA will help Uganda to tackle this deadly disease. We cannot fight these health threats alone solidarity between continents is essential.”
This vaccine delivery is part of a broader effort known as the Team Europe initiative, which has pledged a total of over 605,000 doses to the Africa CDC. To date, 135,500 doses have already been delivered by various European Union member states, including Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Portugal, with further shipments planned for the coming months.
Muschel further emphasized that these contributions reflect the European Commission and Team Europe’s unwavering dedication to bolstering health systems’ preparedness and responsiveness to both current and future health emergencies. “These actions are a clear demonstration of our commitment to global health and collective security,” Muschel noted.
The Uganda Ministry of Health expressed gratitude for the timely assistance, recognizing the pivotal role these vaccines will play in protecting vulnerable populations, especially in high-risk areas. The government is optimistic that this support will help curb the spread of the disease and protect frontline workers, communities, and other high-risk groups.
This collaboration between the European Commission and Africa CDC represents a strong model of global cooperation, where swift and coordinated interventions are crucial in addressing emerging health threats. It also highlights the shared responsibility in safeguarding public health, particularly in the face of an outbreak that crosses borders and impacts multiple nations.
As Uganda begins its vaccination campaign, authorities are hopeful that the doses will contribute significantly to the nation’s ability to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission. With continued international support, the fight against Mpox is gaining momentum, demonstrating the power of unity and collaboration in the face of public health challenges.
