Vaccine Alliance to explore potential role in speeding up access to an approved vaccine

Geneva, 26 September 2014 – Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance is to examine how it can help accelerate the availability of Ebola vaccines currently in development.

Given the magnitude of the situation in West Africa, Gavi’s Executive Committee this week agreed that the Alliance should review how it can mobilise to help tackle the unprecedented crisis. A number of Vaccine Alliance partners are already deeply engaged in the response to Ebola, including providing support in the affected countries.

There is one Ebola vaccine currently in phase 1 human trials and a number of others in development. The Executive Committee specifically requested that Gavi’s CEO work with Alliance partners to develop options for speeding up the availability of a potential vaccine, recognising Gavi’s expertise in shaping vaccine markets, track record in rapidly scaling up access to vaccines, and experience in innovative financing.

The Committee also noted that Gavi has invested more than US$ 50 million to strengthen health systems for people in countries affected by the outbreak. If countries request it, Gavi will respond to their situation by looking at reprogramming current health and immunisation systems grants towards new health systems needs arising from the Ebola outbreak. Gavi will also play an active role in supporting countries in developing strong recovery plans for their immunisation and health systems.

Any final decision on how Gavi would support a potential Ebola vaccine will be taken by the Alliance Board.

Vaccine Alliance to explore potential role in speeding up access to an approved vaccine

Geneva, 26 September 2014 – Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance is to examine how it can help accelerate the availability of Ebola vaccines currently in development.

Given the magnitude of the situation in West Africa, Gavi’s Executive Committee this week agreed that the Alliance should review how it can mobilise to help tackle the unprecedented crisis. A number of Vaccine Alliance partners are already deeply engaged in the response to Ebola, including providing support in the affected countries.

There is one Ebola vaccine currently in phase 1 human trials and a number of others in development. The Executive Committee specifically requested that Gavi’s CEO work with Alliance partners to develop options for speeding up the availability of a potential vaccine, recognising Gavi’s expertise in shaping vaccine markets, track record in rapidly scaling up access to vaccines, and experience in innovative financing.

The Committee also noted that Gavi has invested more than US$ 50 million to strengthen health systems for people in countries affected by the outbreak. If countries request it, Gavi will respond to their situation by looking at reprogramming current health and immunisation systems grants towards new health systems needs arising from the Ebola outbreak. Gavi will also play an active role in supporting countries in developing strong recovery plans for their immunisation and health systems.

Any final decision on how Gavi would support a potential Ebola vaccine will be taken by the Alliance Board.

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