Outcome of the First Review of Country Proposals to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization and the Vaccine Fund

The first call for proposals to GAVI and the Vaccine Fund was issued in May 2000 to the 74 eligible countries — those with gross national product (GNP) of less than US$1000 per capita. Of the twenty-four proposals received by the end of June, an independent review committee found that 13 countries were ready to receive vaccines and/or direct financial support, but additional information was needed to finalize the awards. This information has been received from all countries.

The GAVI Board has now endorsed the recommendations of the independent committee and the Vaccine Fund board has agreed to support the 13 proposals.

Final announcement of the awards was made via letters to the 13 health ministries and an international news release on 20 September. Other eligible countries are asked to submit proposals when they are ready, for review during the next scheduled rounds in October 2000 and thereafter throughout 2001 and early 2002.

The funding from the immunization services sub-account will start to be disbursed in October. The support from the new and under-used vaccines sub-account will result in a tendering procedure by the UNICEF Supply division in October 2000, with vaccines and supplies to be delivered in the first half of 2001.

Below is a table summarizing the decision to support the first round of countries in the form of vaccines and/or funding for strengthening of immunization services.

Calculated support to first 13 countries for the year 2001
(amounts in US Dollars)

1) Includes 50% of two-year initial investment commitment, with second 50% instalment to be paid in October 2001.

2) Cost estimates based upon current vaccine prices; final cost will result from the tendering procedure. Calculation includes 2001 dosage requirements including buffer stock and wastage calculations, and appropriate quantities of auto-destruct syringes and safety boxes.