WHO Approves Second Mpox Vaccine for Children

The World Health Organization has approved the mpox vaccine from Japanese company KM Biologics for emergency use in children over one year old, marking the second vaccine approved for mpox. This decision aims to address the rising cases in Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where children are significantly more vulnerable and account for a substantial proportion of infections. Save the Children reported a 130% increase in suspected mpox cases among children under 18 in Congo, highlighting the urgent need for vaccination. Japan plans to donate 3.05 million doses of the vaccine to Congo, emphasizing the global effort to curb the disease's spread. The WHO had previously approved a vaccine by Bavarian Nordic, but the new approval expands options for younger populations. The mpox outbreak has been declared a public health emergency, with over 39,000 suspected cases reported in Africa this year.