Sun Sep 08 12:55:19 UTC 2024: ## India’s BioE3 Policy Offers Hope in Fight Against Mpox Outbreak

**New Delhi, India** – The ongoing mpox outbreak, which has claimed over 600 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), highlights the urgent need for increased vaccine production and diagnostic testing. With over 17,000 cases reported across Africa and a few cases in other countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

India, with its recently announced Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment (BioE3) policy, is uniquely positioned to address this global health crisis. The policy aims to boost India’s biomanufacturing capabilities, making it a potential leader in producing vaccines and diagnostics for mpox.

The current outbreak is particularly concerning due to the increased number of cases in children, the emergence of multiple variants with potentially higher transmission rates, and limited vaccine supply. The African continent, where the majority of cases are concentrated, faces a critical shortage of mpox vaccines.

India, recognizing the urgency, has expressed its willingness to support Africa’s healthcare needs. The Serum Institute of India (SII) has announced plans to work with Novavax to produce mRNA vaccines for mpox. Additionally, India has a history of successful vaccine collaborations with global partners, such as the University of Oxford and GlaxoSmithKline, which have resulted in the production and export of malaria vaccines to Africa.

The BioE3 policy, with its potential to attract INR 10,000 crore investments, could propel India’s bioeconomy to a new level, enabling the country to produce high-quality, affordable vaccines and diagnostics. This would not only benefit India’s own health security but also solidify its position as a responsible global health power.

While India is taking steps to strengthen its domestic response, experts emphasize the need for international collaboration to tackle the mpox outbreak effectively. This includes sharing technology and resources, particularly with African nations, to ensure equitable access to vaccines and diagnostics.

The mpox outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of global health. India’s proactive role in supporting global health initiatives through its BioE3 policy and vaccine diplomacy could play a crucial role in ensuring a swift and effective response to this public health emergency.

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