6-in-1 Vaccine to Ensure Pandemic Preparedness in Lower-Income Countries

Gavi, the Global Vaccine Alliance, has made significant strides in expanding its portfolio of vaccine programs during its recent board meeting. The meeting concluded with the approval of investments in a six-in-one (hexavalent) vaccine and a long list of potential new vaccines for future consideration. Additionally, Gavi reaffirmed its crucial role in pandemic preparedness, prevention, and response, discussing initiatives such as the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator. The board also approved pilot investments for investigational candidate vaccines against Marburg and Ebola Sudan, ensuring a swift outbreak response. Gavi's commitment to providing COVID-19 vaccines to high-risk groups until 2025 was also confirmed (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Global Vaccine Alliance to deploy six-in-one vaccine to lower-income countries, establish innovative mechanisms to protect against future epidemic threats

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Expanding Access to New Vaccines

Since its establishment in 2000, Gavi has progressively supported vaccines against various diseases. The recent board meeting focused on expanding access to new vaccines for lower-income countries. One notable decision was the approval of the hexavalent vaccine, a combination of the pentavalent vaccine and the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV). This comprehensive vaccine offers protection against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and polio. By streamlining vaccination efforts and contributing to polio eradication, the hexavalent vaccine is expected to be a cost-effective solution.

Gavi will continue to support COVID-19 vaccination efforts by ensuring high-risk groups are protected until 2025. This commitment reflects Gavi's transition from COVAX as an emergency response mechanism to a long-term strategy in battling the pandemic.

The board meeting also addressed the implementation of the 2018 Vaccine Investment Strategy, which was previously disrupted due to the pandemic and product development delays. Gavi plans to resume programs for vaccines such as hepatitis B birth dose, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) boosters, and rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Additionally, Gavi aims to introduce two new vaccines: the maternal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine and a multivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine.

Looking forward to the 2024 Vaccine Investment Strategy, the board approved a long list of potential vaccines for consideration. This includes vaccines against hepatitis E, mpox, dengue, COVID-19, tuberculosis, group B streptococcus, chikungunya, and shigella. These vaccines hold great promise in combatting various infectious diseases that disproportionately affect lower-income countries.

Strengthening Global Health Security

The Gavi board acknowledged the critical role the organization plays in pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Drawing from over 20 years of experience in increasing immunization levels in lower-income countries, Gavi aims to contribute to global health architecture reform discussions. Lessons learned from successful vaccination programs can help shape more effective strategies for future health emergencies.

An important development in strengthening global health security is Gavi's work in boosting regional vaccine manufacturing, with a focus on Africa. Progress has been made on the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator, a financial instrument designed to support sustainable vaccine production on the continent. Collaborating closely with key stakeholders like the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Gavi aims to finalize and gain approval for this critical initiative in December 2023. The Secretariat is also actively working on ensuring day-zero financing for future pandemic vaccine responses.

Recognizing the growing threat of climate change and epidemic outbreaks, the board approved a time-limited investment in pilot stockpiles of investigational candidate vaccines against Marburg and Ebola Sudan. These stockpiles, known as "global virtual pooled inventories" (GVPIs), would be ready for immediate use in the event of an outbreak. Gavi, along with partner organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), will further develop this concept for broader diseases, with consideration for a standing program.

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Gavi's recent board meeting has cemented its reputation as a global health innovator and disruptor. The decisions made during the meeting will expand access to vital vaccines for lower-income countries, contributing to disease prevention and eradication efforts. Furthermore, Gavi's commitment to pandemic preparedness and response, as well as its initiatives to strengthen global health security, demonstrate the organization's dedication to protecting lives and addressing emerging health challenges. As Gavi continues to build on its achievements, it aims to deliver an even greater impact in the future, harnessing innovation and collaboration to support countries worldwide.

Reference:

1. Global Vaccine Alliance to deploy six-in-one vaccine to lower-income countries, establish innovative mechanisms to protect against future epidemic threats - (https://www.gavi.org/news/media-room/global-vaccine-alliance-deploy-six-one-vaccine-lower-income-countries)

Source-Medindia