A donation of three million mpox vaccines for children in Congo has been delayed due to a legal dispute over liability for potential side effects.
Japan pledged to provide the LC16m8 vaccine, the only one approved for children, but the two countries took time to agree on who would be responsible for compensation if side effects occur.
Congo’s health minister confirmed the issue has been resolved, but the delay highlights broader challenges in global health responses.
Adult vaccinations began this week in Congo, but children remain without the vaccine, even as they make up the majority of Africa’s mpox-related deaths.
Experts urge the creation of streamlined systems for handling vaccine liability during crises to avoid such delays in the future.
Congo is also facing challenges in administering the vaccine, which requires specialized training for health workers.
