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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How will the Nigerian government address misconceptions about mpox to encourage vaccination uptake?
**Interview: Dr. Amina Sadiq, Nigerian Health Official**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Sadiq. We’ve just learned about the World Health Organization’s recent approval of the LC16m8 mpox vaccine. What can you tell us about the significance of this approval for Nigeria?
**Dr. Sadiq:** Thank you for having me. The WHO’s approval of the LC16m8 vaccine is incredibly significant for us, particularly as mpox cases have been on the rise. This vaccine will facilitate quicker access to crucial immunizations in communities that are at higher risk due to outbreaks.
**Editor:** How will the distribution of this vaccine be managed in Nigeria?
**Dr. Sadiq:** We have already started discussions with local health authorities and community leaders to ensure effective distribution. The approval for emergency use means we can expedite the importation and deployment of this vaccine, targeting areas most affected by mpox immediately.
**Editor:** What do you think are the primary challenges in combating mpox in Nigeria, and how will this vaccine help address those challenges?
**Dr. Sadiq:** One of the primary challenges is public awareness and education about mpox itself. Many people may not recognize the symptoms or understand its transmission. The vaccine will not only help inoculate those at risk but also serve as a focal point for public health campaigns to educate communities about prevention and response.
**Editor:** What message would you like to convey to the public regarding the importance of getting vaccinated?
**Dr. Sadiq:** I urge everyone to stay informed and take advantage of the available resources, including the new mpox vaccine. Vaccination is a powerful tool in our fight against infectious diseases. Protecting ourselves and our communities is essential, especially as we work to curb further outbreaks.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Sadiq, for your insights. We appreciate your dedication to public health.
**Dr. Sadiq:** Thank you for helping to spread awareness. It’s crucial that we all work together in this effort.
