To address the ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa, Spain has announced that it will donate 500,000 doses of the mpox vaccine. This donation represents 20% of Spain’s current vaccine stockpile. The Spanish Health Ministry emphasized the urgent need for collective action across Europe in a statement. Spain has also urged the European Commission to encourage other EU member states to make similar donations, with each country contributing 20% of its vaccine reserves to support the fight against the disease in Africa.
This announcement follows the recent declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) that classified mpox as a global public health emergency. The disease, which initially broke out in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has rapidly spread to neighboring countries. Concerns have been heightened due to the emergence of a new variant, clade Ib, with its rapid transmission rate.
In response to these developments, Spain’s Health Minister, Monica Garcia, highlighted the importance of global solidarity in combating the outbreak. Garcia noted that Spain’s vaccine stockpile is robust, with 268 cases of the older strain recorded in the country so far this year. This figure stands in stark contrast to the 7,500 cases registered during the global outbreak in 2022. Minister Garcia’s remarks underscored the urgency of addressing the situation in Africa, where the outbreak is currently most severe.
Spain’s donation, consisting of 100,000 vials, is enough to provide the 500,000 doses pledged. This step signifies a significant commitment to international public health, especially given the disparity in vaccine distribution between high-income countries and those in Africa. The Health Ministry’s statement emphasized the rationale behind the donation, arguing that it is illogical to hoard vaccines where they are not immediately needed. The current global health crisis demands a redistribution of resources to areas where the need is most acute.
The call for EU member states to follow Spain’s example is part of a broader strategy to ensure that vaccine resources are allocated more equitably. The European Union has the capacity to make a significant impact on the global fight against mpox by pooling its resources. By donating 20% of their vaccine stockpiles, EU countries can collectively contribute to stemming the outbreak in Africa, potentially preventing further spread and mutations of the virus.
