WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a decisive move to bolster the global fight against the mpox outbreak, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through its Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), has announced a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing vaccine availability worldwide. This effort includes the largest international donation to date of the JYNNEOS mpox vaccine, recently approved by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The U.S. is committing to donate a substantial one million doses of the mpox vaccine to support the international response. This action is part of a larger pledge to contribute at least $500 million towards the global effort, in partnership with the WHO and Africa CDC Joint Response Plan. Through these measures, the U.S. demonstrates its commitment to addressing this public health challenge on a global scale.
“A public health threat to one is a public health threat to all. HHS is committed to fighting the current mpox outbreak, including through this vaccine donation. Disease doesn’t respect borders and it is our duty to work together to make our world healthier. Our partnerships across the globe in fighting infectious disease will help keep us safe,” stated HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, highlighting the interconnected nature of global health security.
To maintain domestic supply while fulfilling international commitments, ASPR has arranged for JYNNEOS manufacturer Bavarian Nordic to receive a loan of 200,000 doses from the U.S.-procured vaccine stock. This strategy ensures continuous vaccine availability for Americans without compromising the manufacturer’s capacity to meet international demands.
These efforts build upon previous HHS initiatives, including collaborations with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to repurpose vaccines nearing expiration for use in HRSA-funded health centers. This approach enhances vaccine access for at-risk individuals who are uninsured or underinsured, ensuring equity in public health responses.
The recent donation announcements follow earlier U.S. Government deliveries of mpox vaccines to countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Nigeria. These contributions are supported by ASPR’s significant investment of $1.94 billion in developing and sustaining the JYNNEOS vaccine, underscoring the importance of continued U.S. leadership in global health innovation and preparedness.
Beyond vaccine distribution, HHS is actively engaged in comprehensive measures such as case surveillance, risk communication, and community engagement. Efforts also include providing laboratory supplies, enhancing infection prevention and control measures, and expanding the capacity of local field epidemiologists.
Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Dawn O’Connell, emphasized the priority of mpox response coordination, stating, “Mpox response and coordination with key international and domestic partners remains a top priority for ASPR. The collaborative actions announced today support additional access to vaccines for communities here in the United States while aiding our partners across the globe.”
These strategic actions by HHS not only aim to curb the current mpox outbreak but also reinforce the importance of global cooperation and resource sharing in combating infectious diseases, ultimately contributing to a more resilient international health framework.
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