“In the Shadow of Monkeypox, Smallpox and Biological Weapons Concerns”

With the World Health Organization's (WHO) recent warnings about Monkeypox, global health concerns have once again intensified. However, Prof. Dr. Levent Doğancı, Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Altınbaş University, stated that the actual threat is much greater than Monkeypox. Prof. Dr. Doğancı emphasized that biological threats like smallpox could have much more serious consequences for both Türkiye and the world. He specifically highlighted concerns about the strategic stockpiling of smallpox viruses and the steps taken by the United States, which exacerbate global biological security concerns.

Recent warnings from the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding Monkeypox and the rising risk of a global epidemic have resonated deeply in the scientific community. Prof. Dr. Levent Doğancı, drawing from the developments related to Monkeypox, remarked, "Not only Monkeypox but also the strategically significant threat of smallpox should be on our agenda."

“It is hiding in 3 locations, raising concerns that the virus could be used as a potential biological weapon”

Prof. Dr. Doğancı pointed out that the smallpox virus, which was supposedly eradicated from the world in 1978, is actually stored in specific locations, including the WHO's stockpile in Geneva, a laboratory in Moscow, and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in the United States. This situation raises concerns about the potential use of the virus as a biological weapon. He acknowledged that while Monkeypox poses a danger primarily to individuals with immunodeficiency, smallpox represents a greater risk and continued:

"The MVA-Nordic strain, known as the most reliable smallpox vaccine, is being produced as a precaution against this risk. However, the fact that this vaccine is produced by only one company in the United States and is being widely distributed to the American population raises global concerns. The world is now a very small place. A population in one country could easily become immunized against a dangerous disease like smallpox, while other countries with large numbers of non-immune young and middle-aged populations might find themselves in a troubling situation. The United States is sending messages through the WHO and its own federal health organizations, suggesting that people get vaccinated and that the MVA vaccine is extremely safe. Their intention is to address the risk posed by Monkeypox to immunocompromised individuals like those with HIV or transplant patients. However, the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research has a highly advanced smallpox laboratory where wild virus production can easily occur. It is accessible only through a cosmic clearance. This perspective should be considered, and I believe we need to bring our Ankara strain, produce it, and stockpile it before a crisis begins."

“Strategic preparation is essential for Türkiye 100 percent of the population born after 1980 is at risk of smallpox”

Prof. Dr. Doğancı also highlighted the necessity for Türkiye to be strategically prepared, stating, "Once we have the MVA strain, we have the potential to produce enough vaccine for our entire population within two to three months. Türkiye needs to stockpile this vaccine and move quickly into production. Especially, the population born after 1980 is 100% at risk of smallpox. We can never predict what anyone might plan. Smallpox is a very effective biological weapon, and the US Congress has yet to sign the UN Biological Weapons Convention after 20 years. This perspective should also be considered, and we need to bring our Ankara strain, produce it, and stockpile it before a crisis begins."