GAVI to support introduction of vaccines against HPV and Rubella

To meet demand from developing countries, the GAVI Alliance will take its first steps towards the introduction of human papillomavirus (HPV) and rubella vaccines in developing countries. If negotiations to secure a sustainable price from manufacturers are successful and countries can demonstrate their ability to deliver the vaccines, up to two million women and girls in nine countries could be protected from HPV and cervical cancer by 2015. Responding to projected demand from 30 countries and World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, the GAVI Board also agreed to open a funding window for vaccines against the rubella virus, which threatens pregnancies and child health. The plan is to reach 588 million children by 2015. “These two initiatives have huge potential impact for women and families in the developing world,” said Seth Berkley MD, CEO of GAVI, which supports seven other vaccines. “The HPV vaccine is critical to women and girls in poorer countries because they...