Submission ID 118211
| Issue/Objective | The recent re-emergence of the Monkeypox outbreak was marked by the spread of the epidemic from historically endemic regions such as Central and West Africa to non-endemic regions like Europe and America, highlighting the increased threat it poses to global health. Despite the availability of effective countermeasures like vaccines, efforts to contain the outbreak have been fraught with challenges, with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) disproportionately affected. This study evaluated barriers to global distribution and equitable access to Monkeypox vaccines and proposed sustainable solutions. The Monkeypox outbreak highlights persistent global disparities in healthcare access, spotlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions to vaccine distribution and financing. |
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| Methodology/Approach | A narrative review was conducted by systematically searching PubMed and Google Scholar databases for peer-reviewed articles focused on global Monkeypox vaccine access and distribution. Keywords such as "monkeypox vaccines," "global vaccine distribution," and "equitable vaccine access" were employed. Studies in English published within the last 15 years and focused on the challenges to equitable vaccine access and distribution were included. |
| Results | Our findings highlighted significant disparities in the distribution and access to Monkeypox vaccines, with most supplies concentrated in high-income countries. Factors contributing to this observed disparity in access and distribution include advance purchase agreements that grant high-income countries priority access to newly produced vaccines, vaccine stockpiling, reluctance to share supplies, and vaccine nationalism. Additionally, under-reporting of cases due to insufficient surveillance and reporting mechanisms and widespread vaccine hesitancy worsen these inequities. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | Addressing these challenges requires collaborative and progressive approaches that confront structural disparities in healthcare access and resource distribution. Key strategies include strengthening global vaccine manufacturing, particularly in underserved regions, and promoting fair allocation frameworks that prioritize need over wealth. Overcoming vaccine nationalism through multilateral platforms like the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) is also critical to promoting equity and shared global responsibility. In addition, improving disease surveillance and addressing vaccine hesitancy through culturally sensitive community engagement are essential for timely and effective response. These solutions reflect the urgent need for equitable and innovative approaches to healthcare access and financing, critical for controlling the Monkeypox epidemic and strengthening global health systems against future threats. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Oluwatimilehin Oladapo College of Medicine, University of Ibadan Khaliq Olawale Obafemi Awolowo University Nengak Danladi Global Health Infectious Diseases and Control Institute, Nasarawa State University Progress Agboola Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Peter Olaniyi , Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Solomon Eze Abia State University Danielle Obiwulu University of Lagos Olatokun Akano University of Ibadan Olowoyeye Aishat Obafemi Awolowo University Adiatu Azeez University of Ibadan Peace Agboola Seventh-Day Adventist College of Nursing, Ile-Ife |
