ENVI Exchange of views on the mpox outbreak with DG HERA, the ECDC and EMA
On 4 September 2024, the European Parliament's Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) held an exchange of views on the EU’s emergency response to the recent Mpox outbreak in Africa. Dr. Pamela Rendi-Wagner, Director of ECDC, presented the Centre’s rapid risk assessment of the situation in the EU and provide the latest epidemiological updates.
The session also featured key contributions from other EU health leaders. Emer Cooke, Executive Director of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), discussed the Mpox vaccines and treatments currently authorised in the EU, as well as the ongoing process to extend vaccine use to adolescents. Wolfgang Philipp, Chief Science Officer of the Directorate-General for Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (DG HERA), gave an update on the recent contract signed on 13 August to procure 215 000 vaccines, which will be donated to the African Centres for Disease Prevention and Control. He also highlighted DG HERA's role in coordinating emergency response efforts with EU Member States.
