Germany has committed to donating 100,000 doses of mpox vaccines from its military reserves to help control the mpox outbreak in Africa. The donation is intended to provide immediate relief to affected countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the virus has spread rapidly. Germany will also offer financial support through the World Health Organization (WHO) and the GAVI vaccination alliance to bolster efforts against the outbreak.
The vaccines, Jynneos, are part of the 117,000 doses that Germany’s military had stockpiled since 2022. A defense ministry spokesperson mentioned that a minimum reserve would be kept for essential personnel, with a decision on reordering vaccines to be made later. This contribution reflects Germany’s broader commitment to global health and emergency response.
The World Health Organization recently declared mpox a global public health emergency after a concerning rise in cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The outbreak, fueled by a new strain of the virus, has raised alarms due to its rapid transmission, affecting several neighboring East African countries.
Germany’s donation and financial support are seen as crucial in the global fight against mpox, especially in Africa, where resources are limited. The government is working with international partners to ensure the vaccines reach the most affected regions quickly, aiming to curb the outbreak and prevent further spread.