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Pune, India – August 20, 2024 — In response to the escalating global health emergency, the Serum Institute of India (SII) has announced its commitment to developing a vaccine for Monkeypox. The institute aims to achieve significant progress within the next year, as the World Health Organisation (WHO) recently declared the Mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.
The WHO’s declaration on August 14 follows a sudden surge in Monkeypox cases across Africa, prompting urgent global attention. Since the onset of the outbreak, India has reported approximately 30 Mpox cases, with the most recent case identified in March 2024.
Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India, expressed the institute’s determination to tackle this growing crisis. “We are dedicated to developing a vaccine that will protect millions of people worldwide,” Poonawalla stated. “Our team is working diligently to advance this project, and we hope to provide more updates and positive news within a year.”
In response to the outbreak, the Union Health Ministry has issued advisories to enhance surveillance at airports and seaports, particularly at international entry points, to prevent further spread. Additionally, three major hospitals—Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjung Hospital, and Lady Hardinge Medical College—have been designated as nodal centres for the isolation, management, and treatment of Mpox patients.
The Serum Institute’s efforts represent a critical step in addressing the global health crisis posed by Mpox, and their progress will be closely monitored as the situation continues to evolve.
