What does IVAC mean in VACCINE

The International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC) is an independent research and policy center focused on global immunization. It works to identify and leverage evidence-based strategies that accelerate equitable access to lifesaving vaccines for all people worldwide.

IVAC works with partners globally to develop and implement powerful, evidence-based strategies that are aimed at reaching optimal immunization coverage in different countries. It works with diverse stakeholders across a range of disciplines to create better synergy among research, policy, and practice. These processes include building capacity, engaging health workers, creating enabling policy environments, and developing advocacy policies.

IVAC undertakes a variety of activities that are intended to advance the global agenda for immunization. Activities range from providing technical assistance in various settings to convening meetings that bring together stakeholders from around the world; producing research reports; launching public awareness campaigns; developing educational materials; designing tools for monitoring performance; conducting analyses of vaccine safety data; providing strategic advice on immunization financing; facilitating information exchanges between developers and users of vaccines; supporting networks with information exchange forums; leading advocacy efforts for improved access to vaccines in low-resource settings; and promoting the sharing of best practices across borders.

In recent years, IVAC has achieved several successes around improving access to lifesaving vaccines in low-resource settings. For example, in 2018 it enabled Ethiopia’s sustained implementation of full vaccination coverage by helping establish an effective national surveillance system that enables real-time monitoring of progress toward immunization targets. In 2019 it worked closely with partners in Djibouti to develop a comprehensive measles elimination plan as well as operational guidance for implementing the new WHO measles/rubella vaccination schedule there. Both countries have now adopted these approaches as their normal practice for measles elimination activities.

Yes! Studies conducted by independent researchers have indicated that initiatives led by or supported by IVAC have resulted in significantly reduced mortality rates among children under 5 years old due to vaccine-preventable diseases such as pneumonia and diarrhea in Ethiopia and Niger respectively. Furthermore, a systematic review conducted by a team at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that interventions involving community engagement boosted vaccination uptake levels significantly when compared with those offering only provider education.

Yes! Currently, IVAC is focused on working towards meeting SDG 3 – ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages – through its Immunize 2030 initiative, which includes collaborations with more than 20 partner organizations from governments, UN agencies, civil society groups, academic institutions and philanthropic entities. Through this partnership platform, we aim at reducing preventable child deaths due to lack of sufficient immunizations globally.

One way individuals can support our mission is through donations which allow us to continue our work focusing on accelerating equitable access to lifesaving vaccines worldwide. Additionally members of the public can help spread awareness about global immunization issues through social media posts on their personal networks as well as advocating for increased investments into vaccine research and development from local governments.

To become an official partner organization affiliated with IVAC you must first meet certain criteria including having an organizational structure compatible with our own Mission & Values statement along with demonstrating active commitment towards furthering global health initiatives related to equitable access to childhood vaccinations such as involvement within WHO Global Campaigns or other international platforms . Afterwards you may submit a formal application through our website outlining your organization’s goals regarding collaboration before receiving approval from our vetting committee who will assess your suitability based off whether we feel partnering up would be beneficial towards achieving common objectives.

While we do not provide direct funding towards individual researchers or institutions we do supply guidance & technical support upon request while actively connecting researchers observing similar objectives as ourselves via referral links along encouraging them participate retrospectively within public campaigns or events hosted by us throughout various locations around Europe & Asia.