Health
Global Mpox Vaccine Stockpile Launched to Bridge Access Gaps in Outbreak Response
A new global mpox vaccine stockpile, funded by Gavi and managed by the International Coordinating Group, aims to give every country rapid, equitable access to doses as outbreaks persist, especially in Africa.
A Coordinated Emergency Vaccine Reserve
The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision, supported by Gavi, has established a dedicated global stockpile of mpox vaccines. The board of Gavi approved the facility in 2025, and funding is provided by the alliance. Management of the reserve falls to the ICG, whose long‑standing mandate includes emergency supplies for cholera, meningitis, yellow fever and Ebola. The ICG’s partner network for this initiative comprises the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Médecins Sans Frontières, UNICEF and the World Health Organization. The new reserve builds on the Access and Allocation Mechanism created in 2024 during the previous mpox public‑health emergency.
The Ongoing Global Mpox Burden
From 1 January 2022 through 31 July 2026, 145 countries and territories reported a total of 190 683 confirmed mpox cases and 529 deaths. Approximately two‑thirds of those cases originated in the African Region, where animal‑to‑human transmission continues to spark new outbreaks. The disease spreads primarily through close physical contact, including sexual contact, and can lead to severe illness, particularly among children and individuals with weakened immune systems. These health impacts underscore the need for rapid vaccination to interrupt transmission chains, reduce severe disease, and protect vulnerable populations.
From Launch to Deployment: What Comes Next
The stockpile is slated to become operational later in September 2026, offering every country a pre‑positioned source of doses for emergency use. By drawing on the ICG’s established logistics and allocation procedures, requests can be evaluated against demand and potential impact, ensuring that vaccines reach the communities at greatest risk. The initiative aims to close the equity gap observed during the 2022 outbreak, when lower‑income nations struggled to obtain supplies. With coordinated funding, management and partner support, the reserve is expected to accelerate outbreak containment, reduce severe cases and ultimately save lives worldwide.