CGD: Mpox outbreak underscores need for greater regional vaccine manufacturing

The shortage of mpox vaccines and treatments in Africa this year has brought to light the urgent need for greater regional vaccine manufacturing. According to the Center for Global Development (CGD), the current situation underscores the necessity for Africa to produce its own vaccines to tackle the issue of inequitable distribution. Dr. Javier Guzman, Director of Global Health Policy at CGD, emphasized the importance of increasing resilience, surge manufacturing, and diversification in vaccine production. The shortcomings exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the critical need for sustainable manufacturing in Africa and other global south countries. Dr. Guzman pointed out that having only a few manufacturing hubs for vaccines proved ineffective during the COVID-19 pandemic. He stressed that the solution lies in bolstering regional manufacturing capabilities to ensure a more sustainable and efficient distribution of vaccines. Currently, the lack of diversified manufacturing centers has resulted in high prices and delays in supplying vaccines to affected countries. The need for more localized production facilities is crucial to address such challenges. The unequal distribution of COVID-19 vaccines among high-income and low-income countries exemplifies the urgent need for local manufacturing and surge financing. Dr. Guzman highlighted how wealthier nations prioritized vaccinating their populations, leaving many African countries at the back of the queue. To prevent similar disparities in the future, it is essential to have adequate funding available to procure medical countermeasures promptly. The CGD expert also emphasized the importance of building regulatory capacity in African countries to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of locally manufactured vaccines. While progress has been made in surveillance and early detection of outbreaks, more needs to be done in terms of response preparedness. Dr. Guzman commended the Africa CDC and WHO for their swift actions in declaring public health emergencies but emphasized the necessity for improved response mechanisms. He called for enhanced funding for at-risk financing and quick deployment of vaccines, emphasizing the crucial role of strengthening health systems in African nations. The challenges in deploying vaccines extend beyond production and distribution to include complex factors like conflict settings and community engagement. Dr. Guzman highlighted the need for effective communication, collaboration with civil society and faith-based groups, and efficient vaccination strategies to ensure the successful delivery of vaccines. He reiterated the importance of not only procuring vaccines but also administering them to the population. As the world grapples with the mpox outbreak, international organizations like the Center for Global Development play a vital role in supporting efforts to control the spread of the disease. Their expertise in global health policy and advocacy for equitable vaccine distribution are crucial in addressing the current crisis. Despite time constraints, Dr. Guzman expressed a commitment to ongoing collaboration and monitoring of progress in combating the outbreak. In conclusion, the current mpox outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for regional vaccine manufacturing in Africa and other underserved regions. By prioritizing resilience, diversification, and equitable access to vaccines, the global community can work towards strengthening pandemic preparedness and fostering a more robust healthcare infrastructure.