WHO Approves 1st Mpox Vaccine for Global Use

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Friday the approval of the MVA-BN vaccine, developed by Bavarian Nordic A/S, as the first-ever Mpox vaccine to be added to its prequalification list.

This prequalification approval is expected to greatly improve access to the vaccine in regions facing urgent outbreaks, especially in Africa, aiding efforts to reduce transmission and control the spread of the disease.

The WHO Director-General said “this first prequalification of a vaccine against Mpox is an important step in their fight against the disease, both in the context of the current outbreaks in Africa, and in the future”. He stressed the need to scale up vaccine procurement and distribution to ensure equitable access for those most at risk.