Africa faces mpox vaccine shortage amidst rising cases

African countries are struggling to produce sufficient vaccines to combat the mpox outbreak, with less than 2% of the continent's needs being met. The outbreak has resulted in over 20,000 reported cases and more than 500 deaths in 2024, with the virus present in 13 African countries, as well as in some European and Asian nations. The cases span three strains of the virus, including the new and deadlier Clade 1b, with over 3,100 confirmed cases reported from 12 African Union member states.