2024-11-19 23:30:00
A Nigerian health official administers a mpox vaccine, at the Federal Medical Center in Abuja, Nigeria, November 18, 2024. MARVELLOUS DUROWAIYE / REUTERS
A new vaccine against mpox, manufactured by the Japanese pharmaceutical company KM Biologics for emergency use, was approved on Tuesday, November 19, by the World Health Organization (WHO). This is the second to gain agency approval.
The LC16m8 vaccine thus receives authorization from the WHO to appear on the list of emergency uses, which, according to it, should “facilitate increased and rapid access to vaccines in communities where mpox outbreaks are increasing”.
A WHO emergency use authorization allows all countries to quickly approve and import a vaccine for distribution.
“The WHO emergency listing of the LC16m8 mpox vaccine marks an important step in our response to the current emergency, providing a new option to protect all populations, including children”said Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines, in a statement.
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International emergency situation
In September, the WHO had already prequalified another vaccine against mpox, MVA-BN.
On August 14, the United Nations health agency declared a new international emergency over mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, amid growing concern over a surge in cases of the new Clade 1b strain in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has spread to neighboring countries.
According to the WHO, this and other strains of smallpox have been reported in 80 countries, including 19 in Africa, since the start of the year.
The Japanese government has announced its intention to offer the DRC 3.05 million doses of LC16m8.
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What is the significance of the LC16m8 vaccine’s approval for Nigeria’s health response to mpox outbreaks?
**Interview with Dr. Aisha Ahmed, Chief Health Officer at Nigeria’s Federal Medical Center**
**Editor:** Good morning, Dr. Ahmed. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent approval of the LC16m8 vaccine for mpox. Can you tell us what this approval means for Nigeria and other nations facing outbreaks?
**Dr. Ahmed:** Good morning! Thank you for having me. The approval of the LC16m8 vaccine by the WHO is a significant milestone. It allows countries like Nigeria to access a new tool in our fight against mpox outbreaks. Given the recent increase in cases, especially in urban areas, this vaccine will help us respond more effectively and protect vulnerable communities.
**Editor:** How does this vaccine improve upon previous options, if at all?
**Dr. Ahmed:** The LC16m8 vaccine is the second to receive WHO approval, which signifies its safety and efficacy. While we already have access to other vaccines, having multiple options means we can tailor our response to different strains and demographics. This vaccine has shown promising results in trials, and its administration can be expedited due to the emergency use authorization.
**Editor:** What are the next steps in terms of vaccination rollout in Nigeria?
**Dr. Ahmed:** We are currently preparing for a swift vaccination campaign. We anticipate receiving our first shipments soon, and we aim to start administering the vaccine in high-risk areas within weeks. Our goal is to ensure that frontline health workers and at-risk populations are vaccinated as soon as possible.
**Editor:** How do you envision the community’s response to this new vaccine?
**Dr. Ahmed:** Education will be key. We aim to address any vaccine hesitancy by informing communities about the benefits and safety of the vaccine. We have faith that, with transparent communication and successful outreach, communities will respond positively to the availability of the LC16m8 vaccine.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Ahmed, for sharing these insights. It’s encouraging to see progress in the fight against mpox.
**Dr. Ahmed:** Thank you for having me. It’s important that we continue to work together as a global community to combat these outbreaks effectively.