UNICEF agrees to vaccine deal that protects children from five diseases

UNICEF agrees to vaccine deal that protects children from five diseases

In a move to deter deadly childhood disease, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reached an agreement on Tuesday with six vaccine suppliers to provide a ‘combined vaccine’.

The combined vaccine is designed to combat five of the deadliest childhood diseases, for half the price UNICEF currently pays. The agency stated an estimated 5.7 million deaths a year could be prevented under the new deal, that will send 450 million doses to 80 countries, starting in 2017.

“We will be able to procure pentavalent vaccine to protect children … for less than $1 a dose,” Shanelle Hall, director of UNICEF’s supply and procurement division, said in a news briefing.

The vaccine is a comprehensive shot that will protect kids from five major infections: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenza type b, known as Hib. Hib is bacteria that can lead to meningitis, pneumonia and otitis.

The six suppliers that reached the deal with UNICEF includes Biology E, Jenssen, LG Life Sciences, Panacea Biotec Ltd, Serum Institute of India, and Shantha Biotechnics.

“It took time to expand a base of vaccine suppliers, which will reduce the risk of shortages,” GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, said in a statement.

This deal wasn’t done on a whim; it’s taken 16 years to finally come to terms. But better late than never; with the average price dropping to 85 cents per dose, half of what UNICEF pays, means more accessible vaccines for children. Plus, the savings generated for donors and governments would be significant, too.

Photo Credit: Zivica Kerkez/Shutterstock

Facebook Comments