Breaking News: WHO Approves First Mpox Vaccine for Children Amidst Congo Outbreak!

GENEVA (AP) – In a groundbreaking decision, the World Health Organization (WHO) has authorized the first mpox vaccine specifically for children, aiming to curb the alarming outbreak of the disease in the Congo and surrounding regions. Experts are hopeful that this move will dramatically enhance vaccination efforts for one of the populations most heavily impacted by the ongoing crisis.

On Tuesday, the U.N. health agency announced its approval of a single-dose mpox vaccine produced by the Japanese biotechnology firm KM Biologics, which is recommended for children ages one and older. This decision comes as the charity Save the Children reported a staggering surge in mpox cases among individuals under 18 in Congo, with a shocking increase of over 130%. Currently, more than 25,000 suspected cases have been reported, raising urgent concerns about the safety and health of vulnerable young populations.

Dr. Katia Vieira de Moraes LaCasse from Save the Children emphasized that children face significant risks from mpox, stating, “Their propensity to explore through touch and taste, combined with their limited understanding of health protocols and weaker immune systems, makes them particularly susceptible.”

Notably, scientists have pointed out that children in Congo and Burundi are disproportionately affected by mpox, accounting for over 90% of Africa’s current outbreak cases. In previous vaccine approvals, WHO had granted permission for a vaccine by Bavarian Nordic for individuals aged 18 and older, allowing its use in younger demographics at the discretion of healthcare providers when the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

Recent updates indicate that the mpox outbreak in the Congolese region where this new, highly infectious variant was first identified seems to be stabilizing. However, the situation remains critical in other affected areas, including Burundi and Uganda, where case numbers continue to climb.

To date, nearly 50,000 people in the Congo have received the Bavarian Nordic vaccine. Encouragingly, Japan has pledged to donate approximately 3 million doses of the KM Biologics vaccine to support the Congolese population in their fight against mpox, although it is unclear if any doses have yet been delivered.

As the crisis evolves, the WHO is set to convene its expert committee to reassess whether the outbreaks in Congo and across Africa still warrant a global health emergency declaration—a status first initiated back in August. This comes as the continent grapples with over 46,000 suspected mpox cases, resulting in 1,081 tragic fatalities.

This collective response highlights the urgent need to prioritize the health and safety of children amidst this ongoing health crisis. The battle against mpox is far from over, and the eyes of the world are focused on the success of vaccination initiatives in combating this deadly disease. Stay tuned for more updates!