adminhas always been one of the forefront countries committed to improving global health and to the fight against infectious diseases, by supporting innovative sources of funding.”
He said his government was a major donor to Zimbabwe’s programme through the Advance Market Commitment (AMC) and the Global Alliance for Vaccines Immunisation (GAVI).
Zimbabwe is the 18th country globally to roll out the pneumococcal vaccine through GAVI and the AMC.
The AMC is aimed at promoting research and commercialisation of vaccines, like the vaccines for typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, pneumococchus, rotavirus, meningitis, HIV/Aids, malaria and TB.
“Propelled by Italy, AMC funding is based upon a financial commitment by donors to subsidise the future purchase of new types of vaccines. The set price is guaranteed, if the drugs meet a specified target product profile and are demanded by GAVI-eligible countries,” said Mr Moscatelli.
He said the AMC aims at motivating increased supplier participation, investment and production scale-up to accelerate the introduction of life-saving vaccines in developing countries.
The size of the AMC fund is US$1,5 billion and of this amount, Italy committed US$635 million.
In Zimbabwe, health officials continue to advocate for immunisation through routine programmes and campaigns such as the Child Health Days.
During the campaigns, children are not only protected from vaccine-preventable diseases but receive other life-saving measures, such as vitamin A supplementation.
Online Reporter