nl flag go to the original language article
This article has been translated by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The news agency is not responsible for the content of the translated article. The original was published by ANP.

First mpox vaccines purchased by the European Commission in Congo

by AI | 07.Sep 2024 | Europe in brief AI

BRUSSELS (ANP) – The first 100,000 of the 215,000 vaccines against mpox purchased by the European Commission arrived in Congo on Thursday. In the coming days, another delivery of about 100,000 vaccines is expected to arrive. That was announced by a spokesperson of the European Commission on Thursday.

A healthcare worker prepares a dose of vaccine against mpox. Photo: EFE/EPA/CAROLINE BREHMAN

On top of that, at least nine member states of the European Union have donated more than 350,000 doses, which are being sent to Congo through the European Commission. These include France, Germany, Spain, Malta, Portugal, Luxembourg, Croatia, Austria, and Poland.

According to the Commission’s spokesperson, there may be more donations from other member states.

Dutch minister Fleur Agema (Health) refuses to send vaccines to Congo, to the dismay of Parliament. The Parliament wants to debate this issue quickly with the PVV deputy prime minister. Agema has since stated that if a majority of the Parliament desires, she will still send vaccines to Congo.

The vaccines are intended for African countries affected by mpox, also known as monkeypox. The African health service CDC is responsible for the vaccination campaign in those countries.

The World Health Organization speaks of an international emergency and advises cross-border vaccination.

(September 5)