A new global initiative has been launched to improve timely and equitable access to mpox vaccines, particularly during outbreaks in countries facing limited vaccine availability.

The mpox vaccine stockpile was established with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and will be coordinated by the International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision. The group includes the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).

The initiative builds on the global vaccine allocation mechanism introduced during the 2024 mpox emergency and is designed to provide countries with faster access to doses when outbreaks occur.

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Mpox continues to affect communities worldwide, with the African Region accounting for around two-thirds of reported cases. Between January 2022 and July 2026, 145 countries and territories reported more than 190,000 confirmed cases and 529 deaths.

Dr Daniela Garone, International Medical Coordinator, MSF, said: “MSF welcomes the establishment of a global mpox vaccine stockpile under the International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision, a mechanism that allows for the equal allocation of vaccines as based on demand and impact in controlling disease outbreaks.  The distinctive nature of mpox, with the coexistence of different variants that affect different populations, now demands a close collaboration between country, regional and global mechanisms as well as between disease programmes, health managers, communities and public health partners to reach more people with mpox vaccines.”  

The disease can cause severe illness, particularly among children and people with weakened immune systems. Health agencies say improved vaccine access can help protect vulnerable populations, limit transmission and reduce severe disease.

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Dr Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, said: “During the 2022 mpox outbreak, lower-income countries were left behind when it came to access to vaccines and it was clear that a mechanism was needed to ensure this global public good could be accessed by those who need it most. Core to the Gavi Leap approach is increasing our responsiveness to country needs, and the bottom line is that any country in the world – not just those with the ability to pay the most – should be able to use this tool to save lives. That is why Gavi supported the international response to the 2024 global mpox emergency by securing rapid access to doses through our First Response Fund, and why our Board agreed to establish and finance a global stockpile managed by our ICG partners. Our hope is that this stockpile will keep the world safer from the threat of this deadly disease.” 

Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General and CEO of the IFRC, said: “Mpox is a horrible illness so I’m pleased that we’ve got to this important step in the battle to control it. Access to vaccines – for all who need them – is absolutely vital. That’s why this global coordination mechanism and vaccine stockpile matters. Both will help ensure vaccines reach the people and communities at greatest risk – when and where they are needed most. This is rare good news.” 

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said: “The launch of a stockpile of mpox vaccines is an important step towards a more sustainable and equitable approach to mpox outbreak response. By establishing a dedicated global stockpile, using an approach that has proven successful for managing other emergency vaccines, we are ensuring that countries can access them more quickly when they need them, saving lives and containing outbreaks before they spread further.”