Geneva: The World Health Organization (WHO) has granted approval to the LC16m8 mpox vaccine, produced by a Japanese pharmaceutical firm. This approval marks the second vaccine to receive the WHO's endorsement after mpox was declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) in August. The WHO anticipates that this decision will enable increased and timely access to vaccines in regions experiencing surging mpox outbreaks. According to Anadolu Agency, mpox cases have been reported in over 80 countries, with 19 of these countries located in Africa. Among these, the Democratic Republic of Congo has been the hardest hit, recording the largest number of suspected cases, surpassing 39,000, along with more than 1,000 deaths. In a significant move to combat the outbreak, Japan has announced that it will donate 3.05 million doses of the LC16m8 vaccine, accompanied by specialized inoculation needles, to Congo. The WHO has described this as the largest donation package announced to date in response to t he ongoing mpox emergency. The LC16m8 vaccine is developed and manufactured by KM Biologics in Japan. In addition to this recent approval, the WHO had earlier, in September, approved the Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN) vaccine for use in individuals aged 12 years and older.