Pasteur Network and International Vaccine Institute sign landmark MoU to enhance Global Health

On Monday, June 17th, in Paris, the Pasteur Network and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster their collaboration in global health initiatives. This agreement marks a significant step towards addressing infectious diseases and improving public health worldwide.

The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for cooperation between the two organizations, focusing on several critical areas:

• Vaccine R&D Ecosystem: Strengthening vaccine research and development, particularly in the global South. This includes regional manufacturing of vaccines and enhancing public health responses to epidemic and pandemic emergencies.
• Training and Education: Supporting joint training and educational activities to build capacity and expertise in vaccine research and development.
• Collaborative Projects: Actively pursuing funding opportunities and developing joint proposals for research and training programs.

Rebecca F. Grais, Executive Director of the Pasteur Network, highlighted the significance of this partnership: “By combining our strengths and resources, we aim to accelerate vaccine development and improve accessibility, particularly in underserved regions. This collaboration is a crucial step towards our shared vision of a healthier world.”

Jerome H. Kim, Director General of IVI, echoed this sentiment: ‘Signing this MoU with the Pasteur Network will empower us to leverage our collective expertise and amplify our efforts in combating infectious diseases worldwide. This collaboration will support IVI’s capabilities in vaccine research and development, enabling us to tackle health challenges more effectively. Together, we will generate synergies to drive innovation of life-saving vaccines for the populations who need them most.’

The partnership will be guided by a Steering Committee, ensuring regular reviews and progress on collaborative projects. Both parties have committed to clear communication, transparency, and adherence to policies on anti-fraud, corruption, equity, and sustainability.

This MoU represents a strategic alignment of resources and expertise, setting the stage for innovative solutions to global health challenges. Together, the Pasteur Network and IVI are poised to make a lasting impact on global health, particularly in regions that are most vulnerable to infectious diseases.

About the Pasteur Network:
The Pasteur Network is an alliance of over 30 institutes which plays a crucial role in tackling global health challenges through science, innovation and public health. Its distinctive strength lies in the diversity and extensive geographic reach, spanning 25 countries across 5 continents, fostering a dynamic community of knowledge and expertise.

The Pasteur Network is recognized as a WHO non-state actor, and members of the network are frequently embedded into local Ministries of Health. The PN sustains a global infrastructure encompassing 50+ national and regional reference laboratories, which includes multiple Biosafety Level 3 Laboratories, and 17 WHO Collaborating Centers.

The Pasteur Network’s work is guided by four strategic pillars: 1) Epidemic Preparedness, Intelligence, with focus on Climate sensitive diseases, 2) Research, Development, and Innovation, 3) Knowledge Communities, and 4) Good Governance and Equity.

Pasteur-network.org

About IVI:
The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) is a non-profit international organization established in 1997 at the initiative of the United Nations Development Program with a mission to discover, develop, and deliver safe, effective, and affordable vaccines for global health.

IVI’s current portfolio includes vaccines at all stages of pre-clinical and clinical development for infectious diseases that disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries, such as cholera, typhoid, chikungunya, shigella, salmonella, schistosomiasis, hepatitis E, HPV, COVID-19, and more.

IVI developed the world’s first low-cost oral cholera vaccine, pre-qualified by the World Health Organization (WHO), and developed a new-generation typhoid conjugate vaccine that also achieved WHO prequalification in early 2024.

IVI is headquartered in Seoul, Republic of Korea, with a Europe Regional Office in Sweden, an Africa Regional Office in Rwanda, a Country Office in Austria, and a Country and Project Office in Kenya. IVI additionally co-founded the Hong Kong Jockey Club Global Health Institute in Hong Kong and hosts Collaborating Centers in Ghana, Ethiopia, and Madagascar. Forty one countries and the WHO are members of IVI, and the governments of the Republic of Korea, Sweden, India, Finland, and Thailand provide state funding.

https://www.ivi.int.