UNICEF, Gavi in Vaccine Supply Pact
UNICEF has entered into a supply pact with Gavi, a global vaccine alliance, to buy 450 million doses of pentavalent vaccine in the next three years at a new average price of $0.84 per dose, which UNICEF will distribute to 80 countries. Four hundred million doses will be allocated to Gavi-supported and transitioning countries. The vaccine is used to protect children from infections caused by diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae Type b.
Pentavalent vaccine will be supplied in various presentations by six manufacturers, whichwere not identified. The weighted average price for the period 2017-2019 will drop to $ 0.79 per dose by 2019, compared to the 2016 weighted average price of $1.65 per dose; with vaccines available at a cost as low as $ 0.60 per dose, according to Gavi.