Mozambique Faces Temporary Shortage of BCG Vaccine for Newborns, Supply Expected to Resume by End of June

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The Mozambican Ministry of Health (MISAU) has officially confirmed that the country’s National Health System is currently experiencing a shortage of the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, which is essential for protecting infants against tuberculosis (TB). The Ministry attributes the disruption to problems with the contracted supplier’s production capabilities.

In an official statement, MISAU disclosed that the shortage stems from the withdrawal of the previously contracted supplier. According to the Ministry, the withdrawal was prompted by the supplier’s inability to fulfill the required quantity of doses as outlined in the agreement. Although the manufacturer had been pre-qualified by the World Health Organization (WHO), it could not meet the production targets, leading to an unexpected break in vaccine distribution.

Despite the current setback, MISAU has assured the public that the vaccine will be available again soon. A shipment of two million BCG vaccine doses is expected to arrive in Mozambique on Monday, June 30, at the Central Medical Stores (CMAM). This delivery is expected to restore routine immunization services.

In the interim, the Mozambican government is working to secure alternative sources of the BCG vaccine and is receiving support through international partnerships. Notably, Brazil has stepped in with a donation under the Expanded Vaccination Programme, which will help bridge the supply gap until regular distribution resumes.

MISAU also clarified that although the BCG vaccine is ideally administered at birth, it remains effective if given up to 23 months of age. Parents and caregivers are being urged not to panic. The Ministry is advising mothers whose babies have missed the BCG shot to revisit health centers in the coming days, where vaccinations will recommence once the new batch is available.

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The Ministry reiterates its commitment to ensuring public health and minimising disruptions to essential immunisation services, emphasising that the resumption of BCG vaccinations will be prioritised as soon as supply is restored.