Global meeting on access to potential pandemic vaccines

In recent months, several developing countries have brought to the world's attention their need to have access to an adequate stock of H5N1 and other pandemic vaccines.

The 25 April meeting is a follow-up to earlier meetings, most recently in Jakarta, Indonesia, and discussions at the Fifty-ninth World Health Assembly in 2006.

The meeting will focus on options for increasing the access of developing countries to potential pandemic vaccines.

It will bring together representatives from countries affected by H5N1, plus vaccine manufacturers and donors, to agree on preferred strategies for vaccine production and access.

Potential outcomes include an agreement on mechanisms for access to vaccines, including stockpiling options.