How a new global mpox vaccine stockpile could help the world respond faster to outbreaks
The launch of a global mpox vaccine stockpile creates a long-term mechanism to ensure timely and equitable access to vaccines during outbreaks.
- 3 September 2026
- 5 min read
- by Linda Geddes
At a glance
- A new global mpox vaccine stockpile is set to begin operations later this month, creating a long-term mechanism to help ensure that countries facing mpox outbreaks have rapid and equitable access to vaccines.
- Like existing global emergency stockpiles for yellow fever, meningitis, Ebola and cholera vaccines, the mpox stockpile will be available to any country that needs it. However, because supplies are limited and must be distributed equitably, it is designed primarily for emergency outbreak response.
- Countries eligible for Gavi support receive stockpiled vaccines free of charge. Wealthier countries can access the stockpile just as quickly, but these countries must subsequently reimburse the cost of the vaccines.
When an mpox outbreak strikes, countries need rapid access to vaccines that can help to stop the disease in its tracks.
The launch of a global mpox vaccine stockpile aims to make that easier, giving countries faster and more predictable access to mpox vaccines when outbreaks occur.
Here’s how this new global initiative will work.
What is the global mpox vaccine stockpile?
Emergency stockpiles are physical reserves of vaccines that are kept ready for shipment. They ensure that the vaccine doses needed by countries to contain disease outbreaks are available very quickly and can be distributed equitably during emergencies.
Until now, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has funded four global emergency stockpiles managed by the International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision, for yellow fever, meningitis, Ebola and cholera. The global mpox stockpile in September 2026 takes that number to five.
Why is it needed?
“The launch of a stockpile of mpox vaccines is an important step towards a more sustainable and equitable approach to mpox outbreak response," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
“By establishing a dedicated global stockpile, using an approach that has proven successful for managing other emergency vaccines, we are ensuring that countries can access them more quickly when they need them, saving lives and containing outbreaks before they spread further.”
It also provides vaccine manufacturers with a clear signal that mpox vaccines will continue to be needed, helping to ensure that a reliable supply will be available and accessible to any country that needs them.
More on mpox
“During the 2022 mpox outbreak, lower-income countries were left behind when it came to access to vaccines and it was clear that a mechanism was needed to ensure this global public good could be accessed by those who need it most,” said Dr Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
“The bottom line is that any country in the world – not just those with the ability to pay the most – should be able to use this tool to save lives.
“Our hope is that this stockpile will keep the world safer from the threat of this deadly disease.”
How have lower-income countries accessed mpox vaccines up until now?
Until now, Gavi has supported access to mpox vaccines through an emergency financing initiative known as the First Response Fund, which pre-positions up to US$ 500 million of surge financing for vaccine procurement during the early days of a pandemic or health emergency.
It has also provided emergency cash grants to countries including DRC, Rwanda, Liberia, Uganda and Nigeria to support local vaccine roll-out and administration.
The new stockpile is intended to put this support on a more permanent footing, with vaccine doses secured in advance and ready to deploy as soon as outbreaks occur.
Which vaccines will be available?
Although the precise size and composition of the mpox vaccine stockpile haven’t yet been announced, it is expected to contain two mpox vaccines from different manufacturers, which should provide greater flexibility in responding to different country and outbreak contexts.
Which countries can access the mpox vaccine stockpile and under what circumstances?
The ICG vaccine stockpiles that Gavi funds are a global good, meaning any country can apply to access doses.
However, because supplies are limited and must be distributed equitably, the stockpiles are designed primarily for emergency outbreak response.
Technical experts from the ICG’s partners – WHO, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Médecins Sans Frontières – assess each request against defined criteria to ensure that the proposed target population, vaccination strategy and number of doses requested are appropriate to the epidemiological situation, aiming to reach a decision within 48 hours.
Countries eligible for Gavi support receive stockpiled vaccines free of charge and can also receive funding to help implement vaccination campaigns.
Other countries can access the stockpile just as quickly, with Gavi pre-financing the doses to avoid delays, but these countries must subsequently reimburse the cost of the vaccines.
How will this stockpile help prepare the world for future mpox outbreaks?
Mpox continues to cause outbreaks globally, with two thirds of cases now occurring in Africa.
From 1 January 2022 to 19 July 2026, 145 countries and territories across the world reported 188,847 confirmed cases and 521 deaths.
Vaccination is a critical tool for preventing and controlling such outbreaks, yet many countries face challenges accessing vaccines quickly and securing the funding to roll out them out.
“Mpox is a horrible illness, so I’m pleased that we’ve got to this important step in the battle to control it,” said Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General and CEO of the IFRC.
“Access to vaccines – for all who need them – is absolutely vital. That’s why this global coordination mechanism and vaccine stockpile matters. Both will help ensure vaccines reach the people and communities at greatest risk – when and where they are needed most.”
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