Exclusive-WHO says partners can start talks to buy mpox vaccines before its approval

FILE PHOTO: A medical worker holds a syringe with the mpox vaccine at a vaccination center in Nice, France, July 27, 2022. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard/File Photo

LONDON (Reuters) -The World Health Organization said on Friday its partners such as Gavi and UNICEF can start buying mpox vaccines before they are approved by the U.N. health agency, to get inoculations to Africa faster as the continent battles an escalating outbreak of the virus.

Traditionally, organisations like Gavi, which helps lower-income countries buy vaccines, can only start purchasing shots once they have approval from the WHO. But the rules have been relaxed in this instance to get talks moving, as the WHO's approval is due in a few weeks.