Abstract

PIP: The Children's Vaccine Initiative (CVI), which was founded after the World Summit for Children held in New York in September 1990, had three goals: 1) immunization of all children; 2) research to determine the feasibility of a single-dose multivalent vaccine; and 3) introduction of new vaccines for infectious diseases. UNICEF, UNDP, WHO, the World Bank, and the Rockefeller Foundation co-sponsored the CVI. The following has been achieved since 1990: 1) coverage with 6 EPI vaccines has risen above 80% in many countries; 2) the number of vaccines in the research pipeline has increased; 3) there is better planning of the global vaccine supply; and 4) governments of developing countries are assuming more responsibility for national immunization. The new strategic plan for CVI, which is the work of experts from government, industry, and international organization, establishes the following goals: 1) development of greater consensus on priorities regarding vaccine development and application; 2) definition of needs and strategies for action; 3) communication of the health and economic value of vaccines; and 4) mobilization of resources. Executive Secretary Dr. Lee and CVI coordinator Roy Widdus are responsible for the new role for CVI. 4 million children die annually from diseases preventable by existing vaccines; another 8 million die annually from diseases that could be prevented by new vaccines. Measles, hepatitis B, and Hib vaccines are underused. Vaccines against rotavirus diarrhea and pneumococcal pneumonia should be available soon, while research continues on vaccines against malaria and HIV.