WHO consultation for the development of a global action plan for increasing pandemic vaccine supply
2-3 May 2006, Geneva, Switzerland
Objectives, expected outcome and meeting documents
The timing and severity of the next influenza pandemic cannot be predicted with accuracy but a pandemic vaccine could play a key role in limiting morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, given current influenza vaccine production capabilities, if such a pandemic were to occur in the near future, the available vaccine supply will fail to meet potential global needs by several billion doses. In 2005, the World Health Assembly (WHA 58.5, Agenda item 13.9 23 May 2005) requested the World Health Organization (WHO) to seek solutions with international and national partners, including the private sector, and to develop a plan to expand the supply of pandemic influenza vaccine. In response, WHO convened a consultation with stakeholders associated with influenza vaccines and immunization that took place on May 2-3, 2006 at WHO Headquarters in Geneva.
Objectives
The 2006 consultation had two main objectives:
- To prepare a global action with specific short-, medium and long- term strategies and activities for increasing influenza vaccine production and surge-capacity in preparation for an influenza pandemic as well as identifying barriers, drivers and funding needs
- To begin developing buy-in and collaboration from all key partners and stakeholders
Outcomes
A Global Influenza Pandemic Vaccine Action Plan was developed to increase influenza vaccine supply. The action plan contains three major approaches:
- Increase seasonal vaccine use
- Increase production capacity for pandemic vaccines
- Develop new technologies
Participants
Over 120 influenza experts, representatives from national immunization programmes and national regulatory authorities, human vaccine manufacturers from both industrialized and developing countries