Challenges in Global Distribution and Equitable Access to Monkeypox Vaccines

Abstract

The monkeypox outbreak has grown beyond the regions in which it was considered endemic. It has spread from central and west Africa to non-endemic regions like Europe, America, and other parts of the world. It has recently been classified as a public health emergency of international concern. This study evaluated the challenges faced globally and equitable access to monkeypox vaccines. Global competition has been observed in the race to obtain vaccines, with low- and middle-income countries being disadvantaged. Great inequity exists in the distribution of vaccines globally through advance purchase agreements, vaccine stockpiling, vaccine nationalism, the inequitable distribution of existing resources, and insufficient surveillance and reporting mechanisms. To address some of these challenges, there is a need for strengthening the global vaccine manufacturing capacity, targeting countries with elevated risk profiles and limited resources, strengthening surveillance systems, and addressing vaccine hesitancy.