Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz has participated in the “Global Vaccine Research Collaborative”, an event organized by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and PATH (Global Health Organization) to build consensus for future pandemic preparedness. The event was conceived as an opening of the 3rd meeting of the G20 Health Working Group (HWG), at ITC Kohenur, Hyderabad, India.

The Global Vaccine Research Collaborative (GVRC) aims to bring together a shared research knowledge base, a global library of vaccines for WHO priority pathogens, and an international network to collaboratively respond to global challenges in vaccine R&D. The GVRC aims to promote collaboration between various stakeholders, including G20 Member States, non-member states, international organizations, vaccine manufacturers, existing collaborative networks and other relevant stakeholders.

The vice-director of Innovation at Bio-Manguinhos, Sotiris Missailidis, participated in the panel: "Structure and principles for better preparation for vaccine R&D". This session was intended to recommend the mechanism of operation for the GVRC and its best fit in the medical field, create a countermeasures platform, a network of networks, provide guidance for the effective engagement of the G20 in the GVRC, and share advice on how to maintain vaccine R&D during the interim period between health emergencies.

In his presentation, Sotiris spoke of the importance of leveraging funding in immunization R&D and ensuring equal access to funds. “Most of the time, the more structured organizations end up making better use of resources, as they are the ones that receive funding and manage to achieve the project's objectives. However, this reinforces concentration and creates obstacles to inclusion and equitable access to resources. In this sense, a training effort for fundraising, project and portfolio management in those organizations lacking or with incipient skills can develop their own capabilities”, suggested the vice-director.

For him, proposals are needed that encourage collaboration within countries and between regions in order to obtain better synergy and complementarity. And, for there to be long-term sustainability of the GVRC beyond India's G20 presidency, the Sotiris believes that it needs to have binding contracts and an agreed policy among the constituent members, not connected to temporary governance at any level. “The institutionalization of the GVRC in G20 countries and among stakeholders can, in the long term, provide common ground and a more stable institutional framework for sustainable operation,” he concluded.

Text: Gabriella Ponte
Image: DCVMN