Mpox Vaccines For Children In Congo Delayed Due To Common Legal Hurdle

Reuters (11/26, Rigby, Kasongo, Rolley) reports that while “adults started getting vaccinations against mpox in Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital this week,” there “were no shots available for children, the most vulnerable group, after a key dose donation was held back by an old legal hurdle.” In September, Japan pledged “to donate three million doses from its national stockpile of LC16m8 vaccines, first developed by local firm KM Biologics for smallpox.” However, “the two countries took time to negotiate over a common issue in global health: who pays if there are unexpected side effects caused by the vaccine.” According to Reuters, “Congo said the issue has now been resolved.”