Children's vaccine drive

Abstract

Substantial new funding for the Childrens Vaccine Initiative (CVI) is anticipated as a result of the 3rd meeting of its Consulative Group held in Kyoto Japan on November 7-9 1993. The ultimate goal of the CVI established in 1990 is to develop a single oral dose childrens vaccine against a wide range of diseases which is universally available without the need for cold-chain distribution. The meeting adopted a Declaration of Kyoto urging support for development of new and better vaccines and renewed efforts to ensure that sufficient supplies of good-quality and affordable vaccines are available worldwide. It is also reiterated the goals of the 1990 UN Childrens Summit: eradication of polio by the year 2000 elimination of neonatal tetanus and control of measles by 1995. At least US$300 million will be required over the next 7 years to attain these CVI objectives. Mrs. Kayoto Hosokawa wife of the Japanese Prime Minister told the meeting that she would solicit money from Japanese organizations. The Omron Corporation donated about $1 million. Dr. Lindsay Martinez associate director of WHOs communicable diseases division and CVI secretary said that the Kyoto deadlines should be met provided the funds are collected. WHO will now have a special new program for vaccines combining the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) with the WHO-UNDP work on development of vaccines or diseases which cannot be immunized against. WHO is thereby making immunization a major priority in its activities including a major staffing contribution. The CVI covers the entire spectrum of vaccines and their development and it is the strategic planning coordinating body for all these activities with the appropriate management structure.