Post00272 GAVI ACTIVITIES UPDATE 14 August 2000 CONTENTS 1. UPDATE ON COUNTRY-LEVEL GAVI & GFCV RELATED ACTIVITIES 2. IMMUNIZATION FOCUS: 2nd ISSUE AVAILABLE 3. WHAT'S NEW AT THE BILL & MELINDA GATES CHILDREN'S VACCINE PROGRAM? 1. UPDATE ON COUNTRY-LEVEL GAVI & GFCV RELATED ACTIVITIES This update, prepared by Gill Mayer, WHO, is part of the GAVI and GFCV information dissemination process. Topics covered in this Update The GFCV Application Process Review Process Country Coordination Assessment Tool Country Status: Afghanistan To Zimbabwe Regional Activities Other Activities * If you would like to be on the distribution list, please e-mail your request to: [[email protected]][email protected][/email] This Update is designed to foster the exchange of information on GAVI & GFCV related activities at the country level - please feel free to disseminate this information broadly. If you have received this Information Note indirectly and would like to be on the distribution list, please e-mail your request to: [[email protected]][email protected][/email]. ___________________________________________________________________________ UPDATE ON COUNTRY-LEVEL GAVI & GFCV RELATED ACTIVITIES: As at 18/07/00 GENERAL NOTE ON THE GFCV APPLICATION PROCESS * The country activities listed below are those which have been initiated by various Partners of the Alliance. * The application process is an ongoing one throughout the year, the 1st July deadline was for the first round of application reviews. * Applications received by 15 October will be reviewed during November. * An additional application and review session has been scheduled for January for those countries in West Africa participating in the coordinated Polio NIDs in September/October to ensure that their attention is not directed away from the Polio Eradication Initiative in an effort to meet the 15th October deadline. 30/06 from GAVI Secretariat: Applications for assistance from the GFCV were received from a total of 24 countries: Bhutan, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chad, C?d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lao PDR, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Tanzania, Yemen, Zimbabwe. REVIEW PROCESS: 18/07from WHO/HQ: * Of the 24 applications received, seven were not reviewed because they were incomplete or only the electronic form had arrived by e-mail and the complete hard copy did not arrive in time. Of the remaining 17 reviewed, all of which applied for assistance in the introduction of new vaccines, 10 also applied for assistance in strengthening immunization services. None of the applications were unconditionally approved. Three have been requested to resubmit their application. Several have been approved pending clarification of targets set and baseline data provided, and others have received conditional approval pending additional information. Details will be released once countries themselves have been informed of the Panel's decisions. * The GAVI Secretariat and GAVI Working Group learned through the review process that amendments need to be made to the Guidelines for Applications, and to the Application Forms themselves in order to clarify certain aspects that led to problems in the application process. These are being worked on and will be distributed during August. * Letters will be sent at the beginning of August to all those countries that applied in the 1st tranche informing them of the Review Committee's recommendations, and the GAVI Task Force for Advocacy will be scheduling official announcements at the country level. 16/06: The six-member Review Committee convened in Geneva from 8-12 July. The Committee reviewed the proposals in accordance with the policies laid down by the GAVI Board and following the criteria for eligibility and assessment as expressed in the guidelines prepared by the Working Group. The Committee's recommendations will be communicated to the GAVI Board for final decision. On an exceptional basis, the Working Group met with the Review Committee on 13 July to exchange views on the Committee's recommendations and to hear their comments on the application process, guidelines, etc. The Working Group and available members of the GAVI Board further deliberated the Committee's recommendations on 14 July prior to formulating their final decisions. COUNTRY COORDINATION: 18/07 from the Task Force on Country Coordination: A meeting of the TFCC is scheduled for 21-22 September 2000 in Geneva. The objective of the meeting will be to develop the group's workplan. Focal points have volunteered to prepare background materials for the meeting in the areas of country coordination, national capacity building and monitoring & evaluation. 30/06 from the Task Force on Country Coordination: A conference call was held on 28 June. Terms of Reference were reviewed and have now been finalised. ASSESSMENT TOOL: 18//07 from WHO/HQ: A Meting entitled "Briefing on GAVI Operations & Country Support for Immunization" is scheduled for 29-30 August in Geneva destined to brief prospective consultants on GAVI operations, the GFCV application process and provide them with an update on the common immunization programme assessment tool and other materials for planning new vaccine introduction. It is anticipated that this meeting will lead to the creation of a roster of prospective consultants who can provide technical assistance in the areas of performance of reviews, introduction of specific new vaccines and the preparation of GFCV applications and be deployed in response to requests for technical assistance from national programmes. 30/06 from WHO/HQ: An updated version of the "Immunization Services Assessment Guidelines" is now available for use in conducting EPI Assessments. Copies can be obtained from WHO/EPI. Comments from people using the Guidelines are welcome and will be incorporated into a revised version in 2001. 16/06 from WHO/HQ: The Assessment of Immunization Services & Coordination of GAVI Activities at Country Level" meeting was held in Geneva from 3-5 May. A draft summary of the main conclusions of the meeting follows: * Participants recommended that the allocation of GAVI funds should be based on a performance, needs and quality scoring basis. * They insisted that a 3-5 year Plan of Action, together with annual workplans, should be drawn up by ministries in conjunction with their ICCs as an essential element for the GAVI board when considering funding. These plans would also act as a guide for infrastructure development. * It was decided that countries would be scored on "national effort" in the minimum areas of: immunization services; surveillance; logistics; and vaccine supply and quality. * It was decided that specific indicators (covering the entire immunization service) would be used, and milestones identified, to assess progress in the country, based on the minimum criteria of: * Coverage (which would be linked to sub-account 2 payments [for infrastructure development] and would also determine the country's 'share value'); * DPT1/DPT3 as a monitoring/efficiency indicator; and * Trigger indicators which would be assessed after 3 years. * It was decided that a country's performance would be monitored during Years 1 and 2 by their ICC (with an auditing element); in Year 3 by an external evaluating team; in year 4 by their ICC (with an auditing element) and again in Year 5 by an external evaluation. * It was decided that GAVI funding should be phased to take into consideration the operational realities and absorptive capacity of the country concerned. In addition, GAVI should consider giving bonus funds when countries achieve coverage and financing goals. * It was emphasized that solutions should be country-specific and based on a country review, bearing in mind that some countries are undergoing health sector reform. * In the area of sustainability: governments and their ICCs should work toward assuming more of the costs of their immunization services over time. AFGHANISTAN 30/06 from Dr. Mohsni, WHO/EMRO: Afghanistan is preparing to submit an application for assistance for immunization services improvement in the 2nd tranche of applications (15 October). The authorities will be coordinating with EMRO the kind of assistance needed to finalize their application. Taking into consideration their political situation, some technical issues will need to be clarified. ALBANIA 16/06 from Denis Maire WHO/EURO: Dr. Stanislava Popova has agreed to perform a consultancy from mid-July to assess the status of the EPI Programme, to review the epidemiological situation, to identify the programme needs for the five coming years, and to develop a 5-year plan, 2001-2005. The plan will include measles and HepB components of the EPI Programme, since a plan of action on measles elimination has been developed and Hep B has already been introduced. ARMENIA 18/07: Application delayed to 15 October deadline. 12/05 from Denis Maire, WHO/EURO: Following the GAVI visit to Armenia, EPI/EURO received a request from the EPI Manager for technical support. A WHO consultant will visit Armenia from 17 July-8 August to assist in the development of a 5-year plan, and in the preparation of the first draft of the plan for measles elimination. At this time, the MoH is considering being able to submit an application to the GFCV by the 1st of July with a draft 5-year plan. 28/04 from Alan Brooks, CVP: Six individuals from Armenia Immunization 2000 (AI2K, a diaspora organization), BASICS/USAID, Bill & Melinda Gates Children's Vaccine Program, UNICEF Regional Office, and WHO/HQ visited Armenia from 28 March - 1 April. The mission held discussions with the MoHSS and all the major partners in-country. Detailed conclusions and next steps can be obtained from Alan Brooks ([[email protected]][email protected][/email]). BANGLADESH 18/07: Application delayed to 15 October deadline. 18/07 from Abdulaziz Adish, WHO/SEARO: The WHO Representative in Bangladesh is in the process of hiring two consultants to assist the country with the EPI Review and preparation of its application for assistance from the GFCV. BHUTAN 30/06: Application received. BURKINA FASO 30/06 from Deo Nshimirimana, WHO/AFRO: Application delayed to 15 October deadline. CAMBODIA 30/06: Application received. 26/05 from Andy Tucker, WHO Consultant: MoH and TWG rescheduled the immunization assessment for 22 May - 6 June. Grace Chee is the health economist to be provided by Abt Associates. CVP/University of Melbourne participated, providing one person, and assisted throughout the process, including with the formulation of the five-year plan of action. CAMEROON 30/06: Application delayed to 15 October deadline. 16/06 from WHO/HQ: Dr. Manzila's visit has been postponed. Dates to be advised. CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC 30/06: Application received. CHAD 30/06: Application received. CHINA 26/05 from WHO/HQ: During the World Health Assembly, a meeting was held with Wang Zhao, Director General, Department of Disease Control, and Liu Peilong, Director General, Department of International Cooperation. The general concept of GAVI was discussed and supported. Additional discussion centred on the interest for the MOH and GAVI partners in evaluating impact/burden for several new vaccines, specifically Hib and pneumococcus. The concept of a burden study using vaccine impact on pneumonia to clarify the usefulness of these vaccines was discussed, as well as having a meeting with MOH and GAVI partners to discuss this issue. The government was positive about the meeting, and suggested it follows the meeting on polio certification in October. Finally the impact of the imported case of polio on polio certification was clarified. CÔ”E D'IVOIRE 30/06: Application received. 16/06 from CVP: PATH/CVP is nearing completion of plans to open an office in C?d'Ivoire with association pour l'Aide à ¬a M餥cine Pr鶥ntive (AMP). Bob de Wolfe will relocate to Abidjan in July to serve as the Representative, and AMP is recruiting the technical team. This initiative seeks to strengthen routine immunization systems and introduce Hep B, Hib and YF vaccines in Benin, Burkina Faso, C?d'Ivoire, Ghana and Togo. It will coordinate activities with AFRO, UNICEF and USAID (via BASICS II) to ensure maximum synergy and effectiveness. DJIBOUTI 30/06 from Dr. Mohsni, WHO/EMRO: Djibouti is very interested in requesting assistance for immunization services improvement and is planning to submit an application by 15th October. They are also requesting technical assistance in preparing their application. In the interim, EMRO is managing to ensure some immediate support from other sources. GHANA 30/06: Application received. 16/06 from WHO/HQ: Beth Bell, CDC, visited from 6-10 June to review progress in preparing the GAVI application for hepatitis B vaccine introduction. Also reviewed other issues such as the ICC and financing. GUINEA 30/06: Application received. GUINEA-BISSAU 30/06: Application postponed to 15 October deadline. GUYANA 30/06: Application received. HAITI 30/06: Application received. INDIA 26/05 from WHO/HQ: During the World Health Assembly, Dr. Melgaard and Dr. Godal met with Mr. Chowdhury, Secretary of Health, and Ms. Gupta, Deputy Secretary. The GAVI possibilities for routine immunization and introduction of hepatitis b were again discussed. It was unclear whether they were aware of the outcome of the recent GAVI visit. Mr. Chowdhury made a renewed strong plea for support from GAVI for polio eradication stating the next season's shortfall as US$34 million. He also emphasized that the Government of India had taken a loan to help financing this. Dr. Melgaard said he would brief the DG/GAVI Chair on this issue. The DG may be advised to take this up with bilateral partners to help mobilise this shortfall, though not through GAVI channels. It was agreed that progress would be reviewed in August in connection with the regional TFI. INDONESIA 16/06 from Sarah England, WHO: Joint WHO/CVP visit took place as planned from 25-27 May. Indonesia will be requesting assistance for Hepatitis B vaccine production, equipment for filling and finishing UniJect prefilled injection devices and for Hib and pentavalent vaccine development. KENYA 30/06: Application received. 16/06 from WHO/HQ: Susan Goldstein, CDC, visited 16-26 June to assist in formulating the plan for the introduction of Hepatitis B. KYRGYZSTAN 30/06: Application received. 16/06 from WHO HQ: Michael Favarov, CDC, reviewed the hepatitis B proposal and the GFCV application. LAO PDR 30/06: Application received. LESOTHO 30/06: Application delayed to 15 October deadline. LIBERIA 30/06: Application received. MADAGASCAR 30/06: Application received. 16/06 from WHO/HQ: ICC Meeting held 31 May to complete the application. Dr. Manzila visited 21-23 June to assist in its finalization. MALAWI 30/06: Application received. 16/06 from WHO/HQ: Robin Biellik visited 19-21 June to review application. ICC held during his visit. MALI 30/06: Application received. 26/05 from WHO/HQ: During the World Health Assembly, Bjorn Melgaard, Michel Zaffran, and Tore Godal met with the Minister of Health. She has been invited to be part of the review committee and has also been invited by Norway to participate in the Oslo Symposium of Bilaterals during the time of the GAVI Board. MOZAMBIQUE 18/07: Application received. 16/06 from WHO/HQ: Ivone Rizzo, Eric Mast and Amadou Fall (WHO/AFRO) visited 29 May - 2 June. A summary of the findings follows: * ICC has been constituted, but functions mainly for Polio NIDs. MoH and GAVI Partners identified the need to strengthen its role and expand its membership. * Last assessment of immunization services was in 1998. All Partners agree present coverage data is an overestimate, due to difficulties in assessing the denominator after the war. An immunization coverage survey and assessement of immunization safety status are planned in the next few months. * Although recent floods damaged infrastructure, emergency aid has adequately responded to the needs. MoH plans to introduce routine DTP-Hep B vaccination schedule in the whole country. * Hepatitis B vaccine is planned to be introduced in 2001, but more details need to be developed and documented. MYANMAR 18/07 from Abdulaziz Adish, WHO/SEARO: PATH has agreed to assist with the forthcoming EPI Review and with the preparation of the application to the GFCV. NEPAL 18/07 from Abdulaziz Adish, WHO/SEARO: At the present time, Nepal has not had a recent EPI Review, its ICC is currently mainly oriented towards the Polio Eradication Initiative, and the country does not have a comprehensive 5-year plan. Efforts are being made to recruit a consultant to assist in the EPI Review. The WHO Representative and other partners in Nepal are working on strengthening the ICC which, once strengthened, will hopefully assist in formulating a 5-year plan. * 18/07 from Dr. Jean Clare Smith, WHO Nepal: MoH is currently in search of consultants to asssit in conducting an in-depth EPI assessment as per the GAVI protocol. * A written multi-year plan for EPI is not available, however, a written policy document was drafted in 1998 but has not yet been formally adopted. * The EPI ICC has held one meeting, and plans to meet monthly hereafter. 30/06: Application delayed to 15 October deadline. NIGERIA 18/07 from WHO/HQ: An informal GAVI Working Group has been set up in- country. It currently comprises representatives from UNICEF, WHO, USAID, DFID and other partners. It is effectively an ad hoc sub-committee of the ICC who's task is to coordinate the development of the application to the GFCV. However, before any proposal is submitted, it will have to be presented to the National ICC for approval. 26/05 from WHO/HQ: At the World Health Assembly, Jay Wenger, Michel Zaffran and Tore Godal met with Dr. (Mrs.) A. Awosika, National Coordinator/CE, National Programme of Immunization. Nigeria may well apply in the 2nd tranche (15 October deadline), with a plan focusing first on polio eradication and strengthening immunization systems and later for the introduction of hepatitis b. PAKISTAN 30/06: Application received. 16/06 from Steve Hadler, CDC: From 3-24 May, two consultants, Dr Steve Hadler (CDC) and Dr. Frank Mahoney (WHO Consultant) visited Pakistan to assist Dr. Rehan Hafiz in developing a national 5-year plan for immunization and in preparing a request for GAVI funding to introduce hepatitis B vaccine during 2001. Dr. Rehan is planning to submit GAVI proposals for hepatitis B funding by 1st July and for infrastructure support by 15th October. Pakistan plans to introaduce the combination DTP- Hep B vaccine nation-wide by July 2001. A National ICC meeting was held on 20 May that endorsed the draft national plan and GAVI funding strategy. An additional international consultant and several national consultants will complete the 5-year immunization plan and GAVI proposal during June 2000. RWANDA 30/06: Application received. SIERRA LEONE 30/06: Application received. SOMALIA 30/06 from Dr. Mohsni, WHO/EMRO: Somalia is very interest in submitting an application for assistance in immunization services improvement, however, their lack of recognised government is currently an obstacle to such a submission. It is planned that WHO and UNICEF in-country staff will work towards submitting an application by 15 October deadline, and that the GAVI Board will take a decision by that time on this, and other applications, received from countries with no formally recognised government. SRI LANKA 30/06: Application delayed to 15 October deadline. 30/06 from Jay Wenger, WHO/HQ: Abdulaziz Adish (WHO/SEARO) and Jay Wenger, (WHO/Geneva) visited Sri Lanka from 22-26 June to discuss the GAVI initiative with MOH and immunization partners. In light of the high coverage levels, direct assistance from the GFCV is not being considered, however, several gaps in the programme (cold chain improvement, assessment of injection safety, and clarification of burden of diseases for which new vaccines are available (specifically, hep b)) were identified by the MOH, and ways in which to address them with GAVI partners were discussed. It was agreed that taking steps towards an expanded ICC, and preparation of a multiyear plan were ways to promote solutions to these issues. In addition, a subgroup of the ICC and MOH will evaluate the need for an overall EPI review. SUDAN 30/06: Application received. TANZANIA 30/06: Application received. 16/06 from WHO/HQ: Dr. Manzila (WHO/AFRO) and Dr. Seward (CDC) visited 14-22 June to assist with preparation of application. 28/02 from Jay Wenger: The national EPI Review was carried out using the common assessment tool. TURKMENISTAN 16/06 from Denis Maire, WHO/EURO: Subsequent to the rescheduling of the MCH Forum to 21-23 June, the joint WHO/UNICEF GAVI mission to Turkmenistan is also rescheduled and divided into two: Denis Maire will visit from 18-25 June to carry out the GAVI and GFCV discussions, the preparatory work in reviewing existing documentation and discussing with partners to identify needs; and Alex Malyavin will conduct a follow-up visit during July. The two will then meet on 2 August in Tashkent to review their findings. 12/05 from Denis Maire, WHO/EURO: A joint WHO/UNICEF visit is planned from 5-12 June. The first three days will be to discuss the operations of GAVI and the application process to the GFCV, and the remainder of the visit will be to attend the MCH Forum on safe injection practices, AEFI and quality issues relating to vaccine procurement. UKRAINE 14/04 from David Mercer, PATH/CVP: * A joint mission was undertaken from 20 February - 4 March by David Mercer and Roscius Doan - PATH/CVP, Dimitry Tyshchenko and Anton Luchitsky - PATH Ukraine, and Alexander Telyukov of Abt Associates. * The team spent two weeks in Ukraine collecting information and preparing for a performance evaluation study of the national system of vaccine procurement and immunization (VPI). This study will be conducted over the next five to six months and will help the Government of Ukraine to identify priority needs in VPI to be addressed with GAVI and CVP mechanisms of financial and technical support. * The findings and recommendations from the study will help CVP and GAVI evaluate the Ukraine's application for support, make an informed decision as to whether the Ukraine qualifies for such support, and if so, how it should be set up and managed. * The PATH/Abt team met with most of the stakeholders in the VPI system of Ukraine. * The PATH/Abt team did not meet with a national manufacturer of vaccines in Ukraine [The principal local producer, Biolek, was contacted by Dr. Luchitsky following the mission.] * The Ukrainian counterparts expressed their willingness to advance the national VPI agenda and take advantage of the proposed CVP and GAVI assistance. They also agreed to consider the re-centralization of vaccine procurement in viable ways that would enable the nation's access to UNICEF- based vaccine procurement at the same time as seeking democratic and participatory collaboration between the national government and the territories. * Finally, the Ukrainian counterparts provided relevant information on the regulatory framework, organizational structure, and performance of the national VPI system, and agreed to collect additional data requested by the PATH/Abt team of the MOH and oblast Sanitary Epidemiological Services (SESs). The follow-on activities will include: * Additional data gathering in March 2000 to be coordinated by PATH/Ukraine * Data processing and analysis and preparation of draft VPI country evaluation report in April-June, 2000 * A second visit to Ukraine in June 2000 * Preparation of the final version of the study report in August 2000 and debriefings at GAVI and possibly in Ukraine in September 2000 * PATH discussed a joint mission with UNICEF to conduct an epidemiological and clinical (re)assessment, in early Summer 2000, of the national immunization program and national immunization schedule. UGANDA 30/06: Application delayed to 15 October deadline. 16/06 from WHO/HQ: Ivone Rizzo visited 10-15 June to assist in preparation of application. Final proposal planned for October. VIET NAM 30/06: Application delayed to 15 October deadline. YEMEN 30/06: Application received. ZAMBIA 30/06: Application delayed to 15 October deadline. ZIMBABWE 30/06: Application received. REGIONAL ACTIVITIES AFRO 30/06 from the African GAVI Working Group: At its recent meeting in Nairobi, 26-27 June, the following tasks were completed or initiated: * Prepared draft workplan and TORs for the working group * Identified country contact persons * Developed more detailed TORs for country visits * Drafted ideas on strengthening national ICCs * Drafted TORs for the Working Group coordinator More news on these will follow later. SEARO 30/06 from Jon Andrus: The WHO/SEARO office, in collaboration with several partners, is planning the first meeting of the South East Asia Region Task Force for introduction of new vaccines, to be held in Delhi from 24-27 July. Topics to be covered include GAVI, financing of new vaccines and the introduction of HBV. WPRO 30/06 from Dr. Bev Biggs, Programme Director, Mekong Initiative: * Meetings between PATH/CVP and partners at the University of Melbourne (Melbourne Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation - MAVI) were held at the Australian International Health Institute from June 5th to 9th. MAVI is a collaboration between University of Melbourne staff working in the field of immunization at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, the Royal Children's Hospital, the Department of Microbiology and the Australian International Health Institute. * MAVI provides technical assistance to PATH's CVP program in SE Asia in collaboration with PATH's Mekong office in Bangkok through a program called the Mekong Initiative. The MAVI/PATH/CVP consortium has been actively involved in conduct of a disease burden study for assessment and potential introduction of Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine in Thailand. MAVI, through its partnership with CVP, also participates in activities in support of the GAVI agenda within the Mekong region. An example of this is work currently underway in Cambodia to assist in an immunization assessment and application to the Global Fund. * Those in attendance included Jim Maynard from PATH/CVP Seattle, Brian McLaughlin and Yuenyong Dao-Chang from PATH Mekong, Beverley Biggs, David Hipgrave, Sophie Treleaven, Damien Jolley and Beth Hilton-Thorpe from MAVI. Discussions centered on current and proposed future activities in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Papua New Guinea. OTHER 18/07 from WHO/HQ: During a recent consultancy to WHO/HQ, Dr. Beth Bell (CDC) drew up the [Not] attached "Draft Terms of Reference for a Technical Consultation on Hepatitis B Vaccine Introduction in Preparation for Application to the GFCV". It is intended that these guidelines will assist consultants in carrying out their tasks in-country and also prepare the groundwork necessary prior to such visits. Comments on the guidelines are welcome and should be submitted to [[email protected]][email protected][/email]. ___________________________________________________________________________ This Update is designed to foster the exchange of information on GAVI & GFCV related activities at the country level - please feel free to disseminate this information broadly. If you have received this Information Note indirectly and would like to be on the distribution list, please e-mail your request to: [[email protected]][email protected][/email]. ____________________________________*______________________________________ 2. IMMUNIZATION FOCUS: 2nd ISSUE AVAILABLE ___________________________________________________________________________ From: [[email protected]][email protected][/email] Date: Thu, 03 Aug 2000 09:57:23 +0200 To: Technet Moderator Subject: Immunization Focus The second issue of Immunization Focus, a new quarterly published by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) is now available This issue includes... --Special feature - The invisible culprit- time to get tough on Hib --The ball is rolling - First awards from the Global Fund for Children's Vaccines --Bringing it all together - African views on the GAVI proposal process --Health promises at the G8 summit - the challenge is to deliver --No more business as usual - analysts call for radical action now on HIV vaccines The newsletter is published in electronic form only - distributed by e-mail through list-serve technology and posted on the GAVI website, http://www.vaccinealliance.org/. You will need the software program Adobe Acrobat installed on your computer to open the downloaded document; if you do not yet have Acrobat, it can be downloaded for free from the internet at http://www.adobe.com/prodindex/acrobat/readstep.html. If you have any questions about GAVI or Immunization Focus, please write to [email protected] --- August 2, 2000 GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR VACCINES AND IMMUNIZATION (GAVI) PUBLISHES IMMUNIZATION QUARTERLY ONLINE In May 2000, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) launched a quarterly online publication, "Immunization Focus." Its goal is to provide updates and debate about immunization issues at national and international levels. Regular departments include news, special features, conference reports, and grassroots viewpoints. The first issue features an in-depth story on rotavirus vaccines and the consequences of Wyeth- Lederle's 1999 decision to withdraw a licensed vaccine from the market. GAVI is a partnership of public and private organizations dedicated to increasing children's access worldwide to immunization against killer diseases. Members include the Bill and Melinda Gates Children's Vaccine Program, the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (IFPMA), public health and research institutions, national governments, the Rockefeller Foundation, UNICEF, the World Bank Group, and the World Health Organization. The partnership's founding principle is that "immunization is a human right and a key step towards overcoming poverty." GAVI's website can be accessed at http://www.vaccinealliance.org The first issue can be viewed in text format at: http://www.vaccinealliance.org/newsletter/may2000/contents.html Those interested in a camera-ready copy can download the PDF version from this website. ____________________________________*______________________________________ 3. WHAT'S NEW AT THE BILL & MELINDA GATES CHILDREN'S VACCINE PROGRAM? Contributions, comments and additions please: [[email protected]][email protected][/email] or use your reply button ___________________________________________________________________________ From: "Bill and Melinda Gates Children's Vaccine Program" To: Subject: What's New at the Bill and Melinda Gates Children's Vaccine Program? What's New at the Bill and Melinda Gates Children's Vaccine Program? Website Entrance: http://www.ChildrensVaccine.org Gates CVP--Year One in Review What has CVP been doing all year? Take a look! http://www.ChildrensVaccine.org/html/about_us.htm Parents and Teens A new section just for you. http://www.ChildrensVaccine.org/html/parents_teens.htm Unsafe Injections, Fatal Infections An eight-page overview of current medical and social science knowledge about the extent of unsafe injections and the complex reasons why many injections are given in an unsafe manner. http://www.ChildrensVaccine.org/html/safe_injection.htm#unsafeinjections Edward Jenner and the Discovery of Vaccination This charming online exhibition showcases rare books and historical documents dealing with immunization. Some of the anti-vaccination fears sensationalized in the 1800's are still alive on the web today! http://www.ChildrensVaccine.org/html/general_information.htm#edwardjenner Vaccines for Children in Rich and Poor Countries This five-page article explores many issues related to new vaccines in the developing world. It is an excellent source of up-to-date information on the vaccines. http://www.ChildrensVaccine.org/html/general_information.htm#richandpoor Should I Vaccinate My Child? A Physician's Perspective In this four-page interview Dr. Bruce Gellin, head of the National Network for Immunization Information, discusses parental concerns and the consequences of parents choosing not to vaccinate their children. http://www.ChildrensVaccine.org/html/parents_teens.htm#shouldivaccinate Attitudes Towards New Vaccines in Asia and Africa Health professionals and parents were interviewed about newer vaccines in Thailand, Nepal, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania. http://www.ChildrensVaccine.org/html/ip_service.htm#attitudestowardnew 7 Reasons to Vaccinate Newborns This one page article, written by a pediatrician who is also a mom, summarizes the vaccines used in the U.S. and the diseases they protect against. It comes from a recent issue of the PKIDS newsletter. PKIDS is a support organization for families whose lives have been touched by hepatitis B and other diseases. http://www.ChildrensVaccine.org/html/parents_teens.htm#sevenreasons Resources We've added lots of new resources since the last update--take a look! http://www.ChildrensVaccine.org/html/resources.htm CVP Email and Postal Mailing Lists If you would prefer not to receive future CVP email updates, please let us know: mailto:[email protected] Or maybe you got this from a friend? If you would like to be added to the CVP email list, just ask! mailto:[email protected] If you would like to receive hard copy mailings from CVP in future (once or twice per year), please provide your name, title, and postal address to mailto:[email protected] Scott Wittet Communications Director Bill and Melinda Gates Children's Vaccine Program