The Serum Institute of India (SII) is working on a vaccine for mpox, a disease recently classified as a “public health emergency of international concern” by the World Health Organization (WHO). This status is the highest level of alert under international health laws and is often saw as a step towards declaring a pandemic.
Global Efforts Against Mpox
Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India, stated, “In view of the global health emergency declared due to mpox outbreak, Serum Institute of India is currently working on developing a vaccine for this disease to cater to millions of lives that might be at risk. Hopefully, with the ongoing progress, we will have more updates and positive news to share within a year’s time.” This highlights the urgency and commitment to finding a solution for a disease that is spreading, particularly in African countries.
WHO’s Role and Vaccine Development
The WHO initially labelled mpox a public health emergency in July 2022, during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. However, in May 2023, the disease was downgrade from its emergency status after a decline in global cases. Despite this, the WHO recently urged manufacturers to produce vaccines against mpox, with Bavarian Nordic’s Imvanex/Jynneos being among the approved options in countries like the United States.
Next week, Congo will receive the first dose of Mpox vaccines from the US to help with the current outbreak. The country, which has many Mpox cases, needs a total of 3 million doses. Two other companies are making Mpox vaccines: KM Biologics from Japan and Bavarian Nordic from Denmark. KM Biologics has a stockpile of their vaccine, while Bavarian Nordic’s vaccine is calls Jynneos.
India’s Response
Although India has not reported any mpox cases so far, the Union Health Ministry is taking proactive steps. Health Minister JP Nadda chaired a review meeting to implement measures such as sensitizing health units at airports, seaports, and borders, preparing 32 testing laboratories, and readying health facilities to detect, isolate, and manage potential cases.
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The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi has set up a temporary area with five beds for Mpox patients. “These beds will be alloted to MPox patients on recommendation of the Emergency Chief Medical Officer and treated by the medicine department”, AIIMS said. After treatment at AIIMS, patients will be sent to Safdarjung Hospital for further care.
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