Standing Together Against Mpox

Since mid-2024, a rapidly increasing number of cases involving a new variant of the Mpox virus have been observed in several African countries.

The situation is particularly acute in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The dangerous virus disproportionately affects the most vulnerable members of society, especially children and individuals with preexisting health conditions.

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that diseases do not respect borders and can only be overcome through joint and collaborative efforts. Germany is contributing to this fight and has responded swiftly to the Mpox outbreak in multiple African countries. Shortly after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” (PHEIC), Germany announced a donation of 100,000 vaccine doses and became the first EU country to deliver on its promise. In close collaboration with HERA, UNICEF, other EU member states, and the African CDC, the Mpox vaccine was successfully handed over in Kinshasa on November 14, 2024.

Increasing access to vaccines and healthcare is an essential step towards global justice and peace. Germany is a strong supporter of international cooperation for global health, as the right to health is a human right.