WHAT:

Leading experts from around the world--international public health officials, national government officials and CEOs of vaccine manufacturers-will meet at the World Vaccine Congress in Lyon, where they will report on efforts to develop, deliver, and finance vaccines for children in the world's poorest countries. Participants will also review the latest findings disputing a link between autism and MMR. Research from scientists who are working on vaccines to address HIV, influenza, meningitis, anthrax, and melanoma and other cancers will also be presented.

WHEN:

11-13 October 2004

WHERE:

Palais des CongrËs de Lyon, 50 quai Charles de Gaulle, Lyon

WHO:

Carol Bellamy, UNICEF
Jacques-FranÁois Martin, The Vaccine Fund/Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI)
William Egan, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Cyrus Poonwalla, The Serum Institute of India
Marc Girard, Fondation Merieux

WHY:

With 30 million children worldwide lacking access to life-saving vaccines, speakers at the conference will show that, with increased political will and funds, success is within reach-as demonstrated through the work of public-private partnerships such as the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI). The Lyon conference will also focus on questions concerning health problems that more directly affect industrialized countries:

1. What new technology holds the key to scaling up production of flu vaccine, at a time of growing demand and fear of new and dangerous strains?
   
2. How close are researchers to developing vaccines for treating melanoma, colon and breast cancers?
   
3. What is the hope for the next generation of HIV/AIDS vaccines?
   
4. What method might researchers propose to ensure complete protection against an inhaled form of anthrax?