The current pandemic has highlighted the exposure of LMICs to global vaccine supply shortages, despite efforts by the industry to increase manufacturing capacity, including in large developing countries. This challenge extends well beyond COVID-19. Routine vaccination programs need to be maintained in LMICs to avoid increased mortality, especially among children. Building productive capacity in developing countries for vaccines beyond COVID-19 could make an important contribution to equitable access and pandemic preparedness in LMICs. Increased global cooperation is essential to achieve this goal.
At a World Investment Forum satellite event on 3 March 2021, UNCTAD in partnership with WHO launched a series of consultations with policymakers, investors, vaccine manufacturers and technology providers on how to coordinate and promote investment in LMIC-based vaccine productive capacity. The event involved major actors in the international COVID-19 response such as, inter alia, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, International Finance Corporation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, African Development Bank and Serum Institute of India. The purpose of this event is to report on these consultations, take stock of partnerships to date and discuss the way forward in intensifying partnerships for vaccine productive capacity.
Sessions:
- Presentation: Key development on partnership for production of vaccines in LMICs
- Roundtable discussion: Taking stock of the status of partnership for production of vaccines in LMICs and the way forward
- Commentary and discussion: Status of partnership for production of vaccines in LMICs and the way forward
Speaker(s)
Moderator(s)
