In the most recent issue of the Lancet, a group of leading global health experts call for improved pneumococcal disease surveillance and accelerated pneumococcal vaccine introduction in the developing world within the current immunization financing context.
The past 5 years have seen major advances in financing of immunisation, including creation of the GAVI Alliance (Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization) fund, the International Finance Facility for Immunization, and progress towards establishing the G7 Advance Market Commitment plan. These mechanisms will provide the GAVI Alliance with billions of dollars of flexible, predictable, long-term financing to procure pneumococcal vaccine for the next 10 years. National governments in countries that meet the GAVI Alliance's eligibility criteria are increasing their budget allocations to immunisation. However, vaccines remain undervalued compared with curative services and substantial financing challenges lie ahead. These could be viewed as a reason for inaction on pneumococcal vaccination, but to do so is simply to put off steps that could save lives now.We urge international donors - especially the GAVI Alliance - and industry to negotiate sustainable affordable pricing of vaccines for developing countries. We call on the governments of developing countries and their partners to establish pneumococcal disease surveillance and begin preparations for vaccine introduction. By taking these steps, we can make this the year for action to improve child survival in developing countries by using pneumococcal vaccines.
