As the COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us, vaccines are among the most powerful tools we have against diseases. Imagine if vaccines could be developed and delivered in just 100 days!
If the world developed the first Covid-19 vaccine in 100 days, the first vaccine rollout could have been distributed in April 2020, when there were just 2.3 million cases, rather than the 68 million people who were infected by December 2020.
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) is a global partnership to accelerate the development of vaccines against emerging infectious diseases and enable equitable access to these vaccines during outbreaks. Its six-point plan includes reducing the vaccine development timeline to just 100 days, as well as developing vaccines for other infectious diseases and supporting enhanced vaccine manufacturing worldwide.
The UK is hosting CEPI’s replenishment summit this year on 8 March 8. CEPI is looking to raise $3.5 billion over the next 5 years to realise its plan and is calling on world leaders to support its work. Join us in February, ahead of the Summit, to call on the UK to commit £60 million per year for 5 years to CEPI to help keep the world safe from infectious disease threats. If you missed our February Conference Call, catch up here!
Check out our Action Sheet to read more about why this matters, what CEPI does and who to write your letter to.
On Background Sheet 1 you’ll find talking points for your letter and a case study.
Read Background Sheet 2 for a summary of how CEPI, and other multilateral organisations, fit together to support RESULTS’ advocacy on health for all. There’s also a heads-up on our upcoming campaign on the fight to end TB and for the replenishment of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria.
If you’re short for time or in need of some inspiration, send our email letter to Foreign Secretary Liz Truss MP calling for a financial commitment to CEPI.
Image: Scientist harvesting flu virus. Credit: CEPI