Geneva, 1 May 2025 – This week, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is receiving a major boost in its fight against the ongoing mpox outbreak: a shipment of 200,000 vaccine doses, delivered by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. This marks the largest single mpox vaccine delivery to the country so far, reinforcing international support for one of the world’s most affected regions.
Mpox, which has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization (WHO), continues to impact communities across Africa, with the DRC reporting over 20,000 cases and 49 deaths by mid-April 2025. In response, the country has rolled out an impressive vaccination campaign, administering more than half a million doses since October 2024.
Why This Shipment Matters
The new shipment is not just about numbers, it’s about reaching the people who need protection the most.
“These 200,000 doses represent more than vaccines; they are a symbol of international solidarity and health diplomacy,” said Dr Samuel Roger Kamba, Minister of Health for the DRC. “We will deploy them first in the hardest-hit areas, especially among communities at highest risk due to recent displacement and instability.”
This delivery brings Gavi’s total vaccine contribution through the global Access and Allocation Mechanism (AAM) for mpox to nearly 500,000 doses across nine African countries. In addition, Gavi has facilitated another 250,000 donated doses and contributed over US$ 6.2 million to support countries in getting vaccines to people quickly and safely.
A Global Partnership in Action
The response to the mpox outbreak shows the power of global cooperation. Gavi is working alongside WHO, Africa CDC, UNICEF, CEPI, and national governments to make sure life-saving vaccines are available where they’re needed most.
Gavi’s First Response Fund, created after the COVID-19 pandemic, allowed for rapid action. Within weeks of WHO’s emergency declaration, Gavi signed an advance purchase agreement for mpox vaccines, securing 500,000 doses from manufacturer Bavarian Nordic.
So far, vaccines through this agreement have been delivered to countries including the DRC, Nigeria, Uganda, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. And the work doesn’t stop here.
Preparing for the Future
With outbreaks becoming more frequent and more severe, prevention is key. That’s why Gavi is preparing for its next strategic phase from 2026 to 2030, where it aims to create a global mpox vaccine stockpile, much like its existing stockpiles for cholera, Ebola, yellow fever, and meningitis.
But to do this, Gavi needs support, at least US$ 9 billion in new funding from donors.
“Emerging threats like mpox Clade Ib are a reminder that outbreaks don’t respect borders,” said Dr Derrick Sim, Gavi’s Managing Director of Vaccine Markets and Health Security. “Investing in early action saves lives, and protects the world.”
Why It Matters
This latest shipment to the DRC is more than a headline, it’s a step forward in ensuring that the most vulnerable communities are protected. It’s a reminder that preparedness, partnership, and prevention are our best tools in facing global health threats.
As Gavi and its partners continue to scale up response efforts, this moment is a call for continued global commitment. Because protecting one country from an outbreak helps protect us all.
