UNICEF has announced an emergency tender for procurement of monkeypox vaccines.

New York: The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has issued an emergency tender for the procurement of monkeypox (Mpox) vaccines in view of the rapid spread of them. Mpox has been declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). UNICEF, in coordination with Africa CDC, Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, WHO, Pan American Health Organization and other partners, has issued a tender aimed at procuring mpox vaccine for the most affected countries. This community effort includes supporting the recirculation of vaccines from surplus stocks in developed countries, helping to reduce the ongoing transmission of mpox.

Under the emergency tender, UNICEF will establish conditional supply agreements with vaccine manufacturers, enabling the organization to rapidly procure and distribute vaccines once countries and partners meet regulatory requirements for financing, confirmed demand and readiness, and vaccine acceptance. WHO is currently reviewing information submitted by manufacturers on August 23, with the Emergency Use List review expected to be completed by mid-September.

This year, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the epicenter of the crisis, has reported more than 18,000 suspected cases of mpox, including 629 deaths, four out of five children.

“It is critical to address the current mpox vaccine shortage and distribute vaccines to communities in need. A universal and transparent distribution mechanism is urgently needed to ensure equitable access to mpox vaccines,” said Leela Pakkala, Director of UNICEF's Supply Division.

The emergency tender is designed not only to ensure immediate access to mpox vaccines but also to expand production. Depending on demand, manufacturers' production capacity and funding, contracts for 12 million doses could be established by 2025.

Vaccines serve as only one of many strategies used to prevent the spread of smallpox and protect communities. In addition to the Africa CDC, organizations such as Gavi, UNICEF, and WHO, among other partners, are emphasizing infection prevention, risk communication, and community engagement. In response to the crisis, UNICEF has supplied protective equipment, medical supplies, test kits, personal care items and temporary shelters to countries in urgent need. It supports a variety of medical responses, including treating patients, isolating cases, and conducting health surveillance.