Mpox vaccinations for adults began this week in the DRC. However, the campaigns excluded children, the most vulnerable group, from the mpox vaccination campaign.. Delays in vaccine availability caused this.
The delays stemmed from ongoing talks over liability issues surrounding a donation of three million LC16m8 doses from Japan.The two countries delayed the vaccine, developed for smallpox by KM Biologics, as they debated who would handle potential side effects.
Congo’s Health Minister, Samuel Roger Kamba Mulamba, confirmed both governments agreed to share liability. Japan confirmed that no disputes remain, though they are still finalizing logistical details.
Experts stress the importance of having systems in place to manage liability during pandemics. Paula Barbosa from the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations called for “well-designed no-fault compensation systems” to avoid future delays.
This case is one the challenges low-income countries face in accessing vaccines. It also shows the need for better international agreements to address legal and logistical barriers.
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