§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress has been made in the research and development of new vaccines for developing countries under GAVI; and if she will list research programmes funded under GAVI. [85745]
§ Clare ShortGAVI was designed to support research and development (R&D) of new vaccines relevant to developing countries. The first phase of its work was to identify candidate vaccines and stimulate research and innovation, which complemented existing research.
Two potential vaccines, both of which are at an advanced stage of development, were selected for support: against rotavirus (the most common cause of severe dehydrating diarrhoea among children) and pneumococcal disease (a cause of pneumonia and meningitis).
226WGAVI has also developed the concept of Accelerated Development and Introduction Plans (ADIPs), which will manage the support to each vaccine and aim to help demonstrate its efficacy, safety and cost effectiveness, encourage uptake and support its introduction. Competitive bids to run the ADIPs for rotavirus and pneumococcal vaccine were requested and proposals were submitted in October 2002. The GAVI board is now in the process of deciding how to respond to these bids. Once the ADIP contracts are awarded then the support to R&D will start.