Analysis-New mpox vaccines for Congo's children held up by old problem

FILE PHOTO: Furaha Elisabeth applies medication on the skin of her child Sagesse Hakizimana who is under treatment against Mpox, an infectious disease caused by the Mpox virus that causes a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever, at a health centre in Munigi, Nyiragongo territory, near Goma in North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo August 19, 2024. REUTERS/Arlette Bashizi/File Photo

LONDON/KINSHASA (Reuters) - Adults started getting vaccinations against mpox in Democratic Republic of Congo's capital this week. But there were no shots available for children, the most vulnerable group, after a key dose donation was held back by an old legal hurdle.

Japan pledged in September to donate three million doses from its national stockpile of LC16m8 vaccines, first developed by local firm KM Biologics for smallpox.