13 September: The Canadian government has announced plans to donate up to 200,000 doses of the Imvamune vaccine to support efforts in combating the mpox outbreak in Congo and other African nations. This contribution will come from Canada’s current vaccine supply, ensuring the country’s own preparedness remains unaffected.
Health Minister Mark Holland highlighted that the donation aims to protect those in the hardest-hit regions of Africa and curb the spread of the virus. Dr. Madhukar Pai, an expert in global health, welcomed the initiative but pointed out that the donation falls short of the estimated 10 million doses required to control the outbreak.
Wealthier nations have recently begun sending vaccines to Africa, following the World Health Organization’s declaration of mpox as a global public health emergency in August. Canada’s efforts also include a $1 million investment to enhance surveillance, research, and awareness efforts across the continent.
Experts like Jason Kindrachuk, who has worked on the ground in Congo, emphasized the importance of both vaccine donations and improved testing and diagnostic efforts. He noted that while the global response is better late than never, earlier action could have prevented the current crisis.
Despite the contribution, some experts, including Pai, believe that more is needed, stressing the need for greater global solidarity to effectively end the outbreak.