WHO approves 1st mpox vaccine for global use

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Friday the approval of the MVA-BN vaccine, developed by Bavarian Nordic A/S, as the first-ever mpox vaccine to be added to its prequalification list.

This prequalification approval is expected to greatly improve access to the vaccine in regions facing urgent outbreaks, especially in Africa, aiding efforts to reduce transmission and control the spread of the disease.

"This first prequalification of a vaccine against mpox is an important step in our fight against the disease, both in the context of the current outbreaks in Africa, and in the future," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

He stressed the need to scale up vaccine procurement and distribution to ensure equitable access for those most at risk.

The vaccine is administered in two doses, four weeks apart, for adults aged 18 and over.

The prequalification decision will accelerate procurement by international agencies and speed up national regulatory approvals, according to WHO Assistant Director-General Yukiko Nakatani.

Current data indicate that the vaccine is 76 percent effective after a single dose and 82 percent effective after two doses. WHO emphasized the need for continued data collection on the vaccine's safety and effectiveness.

The total number of mpox cases in Africa has climbed to 26,543, including 5,732 confirmed cases and 724 deaths, in 2024.

Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya, while addressing a special online media briefing on the multi-country mpox outbreak in Africa Thursday evening, said the African continent reported 3,160 new cases during the past week alone, including 434 confirmed cases and 107 deaths, eventually bringing the total number of cases reported this year to 26,543.

Data from the African Union's specialized healthcare agency show that the cases were reported from 15 African countries across all five regions of the continent, with a case fatality rate of 2.73 percent.

It said children under 15 years of age account for 41 percent of all confirmed mpox cases reported on the African continent so far, and males account for 63 percent of all confirmed cases.

In mid-August, the Africa CDC declared the ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS). Soon after that, WHO also declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern, activating its highest level of global alert for mpox for the second time in two years.

With the rapid spread of the virus, countries in other continents, including Pakistan, Singapore and Thailand in Asia, have tightened screening of international travelers and implemented precautions against it.

WHO approves 1st mpox vaccine for global use

WHO approves 1st mpox vaccine for global use

WHO approves 1st mpox vaccine for global use

Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.

Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.

More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.

Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.

"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.

During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.

"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.

In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.

With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.

"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.

Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition