IFPMA report, Innovation for a Healthier World

A report entitled Innovation for a healthier world – how the research-based vaccine manufacturers are contributing to the Decade of Vaccines Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP) shows how the pharmaceutical industry is bringing innovation to close the immunization gap while stressing the importance of reaching the 20% of children who are left unimmunized.

On the occasion of World Immunization Week, the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) stands committed to the Decade of Vaccines Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP) and its key goals, and takes this opportunity to provide an overview of the collective effort and contribution of the research-based vaccine manufacturers to the GVAP.

The 2015 report highlights:

• Innovation as a key aspect of the research-based vaccine manufacturers’ contribution to the GVAP, including investments beyond the traditional research and development model.
• The “last mile” challenges related to reaching every child: what is needed in that final step to reach every child, adolescent or adult that needs to be immunized.
• The importance of understanding the root cause of coverage gaps and how to overcome the communications challenges Although many countries have made immunization a priority, we must do more to serve the most destitute populations.

Mr Eduardo Pisani, Director General of the IFPMA said:

“We are fully committed to the advancement and adoption of new vaccines and technologies throughout the world. In addition to our internal efforts, our collaborations with academic institutions, international groups, and non-governmental organizations have allowed us to accelerate life-saving vaccine development and deliveries in ways we never thought possible. Our ultimate goal is to continue this spirit of collaboration and innovation for generations to come, in order to close the immunization gap in every possible way.”

IFPMA research-based companies and vaccines manufacturers call upon all relevant partners and countries to align their commitments with the identified gaps and achieve sustainable availability and access to vaccines for all people, regardless of where they live.

About IFPMA

IFPMA represents the research-based pharmaceutical companies and associations across the globe. The research-based pharmaceutical industry’s 2 million employees research, develop and provide medicines and vaccines that improve the life of patients worldwide. Based in Geneva, IFPMA has official relations with the United Nations and contributes industry expertise to help the global health community find solutions that improve global health. - See more at: www.ifpma.org

International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations

International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations

The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA) represents research-based pharmaceutical companies and associations across the globe. Based in Geneva, IFPMA has official relations with the United Nations and contributes industry expertise to help the global health community find solutions that improve global health.

Research-based pharmaceutical companies make a unique contribution to global health as innovators of life-saving and life-changing medicines and vaccines, which improved millions of lives around the world. Both IFPMA and its companies are involved in hundreds of partnerships, including the Access Accelerated initiative, a partnership of over 20 biopharmaceutical companies developing innovative and sustainable solutions to improve access to non-communicable disease (NCDs) treatment and care in low- and middle income countries. Access Accelerated also partners with the World Bank and the Union of International Cancer Control to help address the full spectrum of access barriers to NCD medicines. These partnerships involve the discovery of treatments that threaten health security or unduly put a burden on low-income countries, as well as support Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by expanding access to medicines and vaccines and strengthening health systems and in doing so, contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3 and SDG 17).

IFPMA hosts the Secretariat of the AMR Industry Alliance, a coalition of over 100 biotechnology, diagnostic, generics and research-based biopharmaceutical companies and trade associations that was formed to drive and measure industry progress to curb antimicrobial resistance. IFPMA also played a key role in establishing the AMR Action Fund, a ground-breaking initiative involving over 20 biopharmaceutical companies, that aims to bring 2-4 new antibiotics to patients by 2030.

Other initiatives supported by IFPMA include: The African Global Health Leaders Fellowship, the Africa Young Innovators for Health Award, and Fight the Fakes.

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