The Netherlands will donate 13,200 doses of Mpox vaccine to parts of Africa where the virus is spreading, health minister Fleur Agema has confirmed.

The minister, who represents the far right PVV in the cabinet, had been opposed to the donation but was called back by MPs after a vote. She has now given the green light to the donation, which will be made via the European Commission’s health emergency authority.

Agema had wanted to keep the entire Dutch stockpile of 100,000 doses to protect people in the Netherlands, should it become necessary. The 13,200 vaccines being donated are close to their expiry date.

The Netherlands is also sending €3 million to help the vaccination effort.