GAVI and the Vaccine Fund--a boon for immunization in the developing world.

The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) and The Vaccine Fund are two major global initiatives adopted with the objectives of improving access to immunization services particularly in the underdeveloped and developing countries and introduction of new but under-used vaccines in the developing countries in particular where these diseases are highly prevalent. GAVI is a collaborative mission that brings together governments in developing and industrialized countries, UNICEF, WHO, the World Bank, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, vaccine manufacturers and all other stake holders to harness the strengths and experiences of multiple partners in immunization. The Vaccine Fund is a financing mechanism established to mobilize resources to serve the mission of GAVI. This article reviews the objectives, strategies, organization and the funding issues of this global initiative. In the Indian perspective, GAVI is presently playing a major role in introduction of Hepatitis-B vaccine for infants in India. The article outlined the pilot project currently being implemented by GoI and the future prospects of integrating Hepatitis-B vaccine and auto disable syringes into the routine immunization program as well as strengthening the routine immunization services when the government decides to expand the project.