Reference:
Wilson, R. (2024, August 22). South African group refutes WHO’s declaration of mpox emergency and warns the public about the risks of the vaccine. The Exposé. Retrieved from https://expose-news.com/2024/08/22/south-african-group-refutes-whos-declaration
Summary:
The South Africa Vaccine Injury Medico-Legal Study Group (SAVIMS) publicly contested the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) declaration of a global health emergency concerning monkeypox, now referred to as mpox. They cautioned against the use of live virus vaccines, Jynneos and ACAM2000, which were originally developed for smallpox, citing serious adverse effects and the risk of reviving the eradicated smallpox virus. SAVIMS asserted that the effectiveness and safety of these vaccines remain unproven, expressing concerns over the ethical implications of informed consent due to the lack of reliable data. They called for independent audits of monkeypox data from the Democratic Republic of Congo and other African countries to ensure accuracy in reported statistics. The group highlighted that monkeypox is largely self-limiting and does not justify widespread vaccination. They urged the public to exercise their rights to refuse medical interventions that carry unverified risks. SAVIMS aims to promote human health and rights as outlined in South Africa’s Constitution, advocating for transparency and dialogue regarding health policies impacting the African population.