By Kumba Leigh
The Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has received an additional donation of 110,000 doses of mpox vaccines from Bavarian Nordic, reinforcing the continent’s capacity to respond to ongoing outbreaks.
The vaccines have been allocated to Uganda, one of the hardest-hit countries in 2025, through the Mpox Access and Allocation Mechanism (AAM), a coordinated platform led by Africa CDC in collaboration with global health partners. The latest consignment is expected to significantly boost vaccine availability and strengthen Africa’s collective outbreak preparedness and response efforts.
Africa CDC’s Director-General, H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, welcomed the donation, describing it as a powerful demonstration of partnership and shared responsibility.
“Africa CDC welcomes this continued partnership with Bavarian Nordic in responding to the ongoing mpox outbreak,” Dr. Kaseya said. “This donation will greatly strengthen Uganda’s response and supports our joint efforts to ensure timely and equitable access to life-saving tools across Africa. Sustained collaboration with our partners is vital to achieving a continent that is prepared, self-reliant, and resilient against public health threats.”
With this latest contribution, Bavarian Nordic’s total commitment to Africa now stands at 165,000 doses of its MVA-BN vaccine. Previous donations have supported mpox responses through Africa CDC, the European Commission’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), and Gavi-eligible countries.
Bavarian Nordic’s President and CEO, Paul Chaplin, reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to Africa’s health security.
“Mpox remains a health emergency in Africa, as seen in the continued spread and rising number of cases,” Chaplin noted. “The sustained availability of funding and vaccines is crucial for a successful public health response, and we are pleased to reinforce our commitment through this additional donation.”
Through the Mpox Access and Allocation Mechanism, Africa CDC continues to lead efforts in ensuring equitable vaccine distribution and access to critical medical countermeasures across Member States. The initiative is central to advancing Africa’s New Public Health Order, aimed at building a continent that is not only prepared and self-reliant, but also resilient against both current and emerging health threats.
