New Ebola vaccine approved
A new Ebola vaccine programme has been approved by the Board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance
Gavi said that it will open a new funding window, with estimated investment of US$178 million, between now and 2025 for the new Ebola vaccine programme.
This is a historic milestone in humanity’s fight against this horrific disease
Gavi-supported low- and middle-income countries will be able to access the stockpile free of charge and will receive support for the operational costs of vaccination campaigns. Wealthier countries will be able to access vaccines but will be expected to self-finance.
Gavi will also support targeted preventative vaccination outside of an outbreak in high-risk populations, such as health workers, in countries at risk.
Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Chair of the Gavi Board, said that this is a historic milestone in humanity’s fight against this horrific disease. “Just five years ago we faced an Ebola outbreak in West Africa with no vaccine and no way to treat the disease,” he said. “Today, thanks to the heroic efforts of countless patients, health workers, scientists, manufacturers, donors, partners as well as the leadership of African countries, we now have one vaccine approved for use and more on their way, as well as rapid diagnostics and several promising treatments. With these tools at our disposal, the battle against Ebola can be won, and I’m proud of the role Gavi has played in this.”
Dr Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi, said: “The Ebola vaccine has shown extraordinary efficacy in tackling the outbreak in the DRC. This achievement demonstrates the Alliance at its best. Now that funding has been approved, we will get to work with manufacturers and our Alliance partners to build the stockpile. It will be critical for Gavi to secure enough funding for the 2021-25 period to maintain this Ebola vaccine programme in order to protect people, health systems and economies that may be threatened by this devastating disease in the future.”