AAM Distributes 900,000 Mpox Vaccine Doses Across Nine African Nations

The Access and Allocation Mechanism (AAM) has allocated nearly 900,000 doses of mpox vaccines to nine African countries heavily impacted by the disease. This distribution is part of a concerted effort to control ongoing outbreaks by providing fair and effective access to limited vaccine supplies. AAM partners, including Africa CDC, WHO, Gavi, and UNICEF, approved the allocations based on local epidemiological data and healthcare readiness.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as the most severely affected nation, will receive the largest share of doses—about 85%—as it faces the highest reported cases and deaths from mpox in the region. Other countries receiving vaccine support include Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda, where cases have also been rising.

Mpox cases have surged this year in the DRC and neighboring areas, which the WHO declared a public health emergency of international concern. Comprehensive mpox response strategies are in place, including vaccination, testing, clinical care, infection prevention, and community engagement. Limited vaccination efforts have already begun in the DRC and Rwanda, and AAM partners aim to expand support to other regions.

This vaccine distribution marks a significant step toward coordinated, targeted deployment to contain mpox outbreaks. The AAM is also preparing for further allocations in the coming months, addressing challenges of vaccine distribution and mobilizing resources for countries new to mpox vaccine rollout.