It is not always possible to eradicate viruses, but scientific progress has led to vaccines, diagnostics and treatments that significantly reduce illness, suffering and death– if people have access to them. A paralyzing monopoly situation and drastic funding cuts have left low- and middle-income countries without access to affordable and essential diagnostics, vaccines and medicines. Mpox is a tragic and infuriating example: in 2024, the Africa CDC called for 10 million doses of mpox vaccine – but it has only received 1.3 million doses.
Evergreening During an Emergency, a report from Make Medicines Affordable, provides a comprehensive epidemiological and clinical overview of mpox, and covers patent landscaping for mpox vaccines and potential treatments. The report describes the collective failure of global public health responses to mpox, and barriers that have prevented African countries from producing or purchasing affordable alternative versions of mpox vaccine.
Evergreening During an Emergency report highlights the urgent need for access to mpox vaccines and diagnostics, investments in research and development and healthcare staff and systems. It provides key insights into mpox vaccine patenting trends, including background information about the institutions and companies involved in their development. The report includes recommendations that uphold the human right to health and enable effective public health responses to mpox and other threats to global public health.