A new variant of the Mpox virus has emerged in Central Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an international emergency in response to this outbreak. Additionally, the organization has called on countries with vaccine stockpiles to donate vaccines to African countries. However, the Minister of Health, Fleur Agema, has refused, contrary to the advice of the WHO and the Dutch National Institute for Public Health (RIVM), to provide Dutch vaccines or share part of the vaccine stock. André den Exter, Associate Professor of Health Law at Erasmus School, has written an opinion piece in the Financieel Dagblad. He writes: "The outbreak of Mpox in Africa is not yet a pandemic, but the hesitant stance of Minister Agema in donating Dutch vaccines poses a danger. By refusing to act now, Dutch health interests are being compromised."
In his opinion piece in the Financieel Dagblad, Den Exter reflects on the COVID-19 pandemic: "One of the most important lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic is that international solidarity and cooperation are crucial in combating pandemics. This message has been understood almost universally."
Aid is a Duty
Den Exter explains that international solidarity implies a moral obligation for the West, including the Netherlands, to help less developed countries with their healthcare provisions. However, beyond this moral obligation, there is also a legal duty. Den Exter points out that this legal obligation stems from the International Health Regulations, agreed upon in 2005. "This legislation has been ratified by all 196 WHO member states and clearly outlines the obligation of mutual support in international health crises. This obligation follows from the declaration of a state of emergency. There is nothing optional about it. Member states, including the Netherlands, are required to comply," says Den Exter in his opinion piece.
International Cooperation
Den Exter argues that Minister Agema's approach, where no vaccines are donated to Central Africa, is deeply concerning. He writes in the Financieel Dagblad: "It is precisely through international cooperation that Dutch health interests are best served. Waiting until the spring of 2025, as Minister Agema suggests in her letter to the House of Representatives, is simply too late and will contribute to the further global spread of Mpox."
Den Exter also expresses concern about the image the Netherlands presents to other countries by refusing to donate vaccines to Central Africa. He writes in the Financieel Dagblad: "And what about the message the Netherlands is sending to the international community? Given the recent alarming reports of shortages of certain (life-saving) cancer medicines, other member states might be less inclined to accommodate the Netherlands – precisely because of our unwillingness to cooperate on the smallpox vaccine. The comparison with the COVID-19 pandemic may be misplaced, but we successfully appealed to neighbouring countries in our search for ICU beds back then. Stubbornly refusing to respond to an international call for aid is inappropriate and damaging and will come back to haunt us in times of need – any citizen with common sense understands this. So, do not wait any longer, and donate."
- Associate professor