Current Global Health Crisis

Source: The post current global health crisis has been created, based on the article “Advancing equity, from COVID-19 to Mpox” published in “The Hindu” on 28th August 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- Governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health

Context: The article discusses the mpox (monkeypox) outbreak and its designation as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. It emphasizes the need for global cooperation, equitable vaccine access, and technology transfers. It highlights India’s potential role in producing vaccines and expediting their availability.

For detailed information on Mpox (Monkeypox) outbreak read this article here

What is the Current Global Health Crisis?

1. The world faces a new health threat with the mpox outbreak.
2. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
3. The outbreak began in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and spread to other African countries. Cases have now been reported in Sweden, Pakistan, and the Philippines.

Why is This WHO Declaration Significant?

1. This WHO declaration is significant as it is the first PHEIC since the May 2024 amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR).
2. These amendments introduced equity as a core principle, crucial for fair global health responses.
3. The amendments, effective in 2025, expand WHO’s role in facilitating essential medical products during emergencies.

For detailed information on International Health Regulations (IHR) Amendments read this article here

What Lessons Are Being Applied from the COVID-19 Pandemic?

1. Vaccine Availability: Unlike COVID-19, a vaccine (MVA-BN) is already available for mpox. It is approved in regions like the EU, UK, US, Switzerland, and Canada.
2. Equity in Access: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for equitable vaccine distribution. The May 2024 International Health Regulations (IHR) amendments emphasize equity, guiding the global response to mpox.
3. Production in the Global South: The lack of vaccine manufacturing in the Global South during COVID-19 is being addressed. Indian manufacturers, like the Serum Institute, have the potential to produce MVA-BN.
4. Technology Transfers: The pandemic showed the importance of sharing technology. India and global organizations are negotiating for technology transfers to scale up mpox vaccine production.

What Role Can India Play?

1. Vaccine Production Expertise: India has significant experience in vaccine production, particularly with manufacturers like Serum Institute of India, Bharat Biotech, and Zydus Cadila, which use the same technology as the MVA-BN vaccine.
2. Critical Role in Global Response: During the COVID-19 pandemic, India’s production of Covishield played a vital role globally.
3. Addressing Supply Gaps: The African CDC estimates a need for 10 million mpox vaccine doses, but only 0.21 million are available now.
4. Regulatory Support: India’s CDSCO waived clinical trial requirements for vaccines approved abroad, speeding vaccine availability in India.

How Important Are Technology Transfers?

1. Technology transfers are essential for scaling up vaccine production in lower-middle-income countries (LMICs).
2. These transfers should include biological resources, know-how, and patents.
3. The Indian government should collaborate with global organizations like WHO, Gavi, and CEPI to negotiate with the vaccine manufacturer, Bavarian Nordic, for these transfers. This will help produce the vaccine at a lower cost, making it more accessible.
4. Global cooperation can prevent future outbreaks and strengthen global health preparedness.

Question for practice:

Discuss the significance of technology transfers in scaling up vaccine production for the mpox outbreak and the role India can play in this process.