Africa CDC urges President-elect Trump to honor Biden’s vaccine pledge amid global health concerns.
At a Glance
- Africa CDC appeals to Trump to maintain Biden’s promise of one million mpox vaccine doses
- W.H.O. declared Monkeypox a global health emergency in August
- Democratic Republic of the Congo has highest demand for mpox vaccines
- Concerns raised about potential influence of vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Trump’s team
- Experts stress need for widespread vaccination to address current mpox variant
Africa CDC’s Appeal to Trump
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a plea to President-elect Donald Trump, urging him to honor the commitment made by President Joe Biden to supply one million doses of the Monkeypox vaccine to central and eastern Africa. This appeal comes as the continent grapples with vaccine shortages and the ongoing threat of Monkeypox outbreaks.
Africa CDC Director John Kaseya emphasized the critical nature of fulfilling this commitment to maintain trust between the United States and Africa. The appeal highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing global health crises, particularly in regions with limited resources.
Global Health Emergency and Vaccine Donations
The World Health Organization (W.H.O.) declared Monkeypox a global health emergency in August, underscoring the severity of the situation. In response, President Biden announced vaccine donations and funding at the United Nations General Assembly in September, demonstrating the United States’ commitment to global health initiatives.
“We’ll continue to talk to them and to engage them to fulfill their commitment. If they don’t do that, the mistrust that we have today in Africa will lead to a major issue between the U.S. and the continent,” Africa CDC Director John Kaseya said.
While fewer cases of Monkeypox have been reported in the United States, health officials have warned of potential outbreaks. After all, thousands have been infected and many have died. However, insufficient funding from Congress has raised concerns about the nation’s ability to address these potential threats effectively.
Concerns and Challenges
The potential influence of vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Trump’s team has raised alarms among health experts. Kennedy’s stance on vaccine safety could potentially impact future vaccine distribution efforts, both domestically and internationally.
“The science on vaccine safety particularly has huge deficits, and we’re going to make sure those scientific studies are done and that people can make informed choices about their vaccinations and their children’s vaccinations,” Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said.
Kennedy’s plan, therefore, isn’t as bad as people say – if Kennedy’s team finds the science doesn’t support vaccines, action may be taken. But the decision will be science-led.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) currently has the highest demand for Monkeypox vaccines, with other affected countries including the Central African Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda. While the epidemic in the DRC is reportedly stabilizing, the W.H.O. warns of continued spread in Uganda, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance and vaccination efforts.
Experts Stress Importance of Vaccination
Dr. Salary Rhissa emphasized the importance of a vigorous vaccination campaign to prevent future outbreaks. This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Salim Abdool Karim, who noted that the current Monkeypox variant is not disappearing as previous outbreaks have, necessitating widespread vaccination efforts.
As the situation continues to evolve, the Africa CDC remains committed to engaging with the incoming administration. Director Kaseya expressed his willingness to meet with Trump’s team, stating, “I’m available to fly and to meet and discuss with them about what Africa needs in the health area and how we can work together.”
