Madagascar Splits Limited Mpox Vaccine Doses as Cases Rise

The government of Madagascar is now dividing its available mpox vaccine doses to stretch supplies, according to a report from Yahoo. The move comes as the country's mpox epidemic is accelerating, with infections spreading more rapidly. Yahoo reports that the decision to split and share the vaccine was forced by the current situation. The report indicates that Madagascar does not have enough vaccine to meet the full demand posed by the growing outbreak, leaving authorities to ration what they have. The development highlights the broader challenge facing many lower-income nations during the mpox emergency. While some countries have secured large stockpiles of vaccine, Madagascar's limited supply means health officials must prioritize who receives the shots, potentially leaving many at risk unprotected. The exact number of doses available or the specific allocation strategy was not detailed in the report.  According to the Yahoo report, the epidemic in Madagascar is "taking off," suggesting a sharp increase in case numbers in recent weeks. This rapid spread has outpaced the country's ability to vaccinate its population, prompting the rationing approach. What to watch next: Whether Madagascar will receive additional vaccine shipments from international partners as the epidemic continues to grow, and how the rationing strategy affects the trajectory of the outbreak.