PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre Spotlight Series
Reference Number: USA-367
Official Title: PAHO/ WHO CC for Vaccine Epidemiology and Evaluation
Institution: Johns Hopkins Vaccine Initiative (JHVI), Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University (JHU)
Reference Number: USA-400*
Official Title: PAHO/WHO CC for Vaccine Research, Evaluation and Training on Emerging Infectious Diseases
Institution: Sealy Center for Vaccine Development (SCVD), University of Texas Medical Branch
Category 1 (SP 14-19)
Outcome 4 (SP 20-25)
Dr. Cuauhtémoc Ruiz, Unit Chief, Comprehensive Family Immunization, is the PAHO staff member who supports the WHO focal point to coordinate the collaboration between the institution and the Organization.
The main activities of these Centres include: (1) conducting analysis; (2) providing technical advice; and (3) tracking and documenting progress on global vaccine development.
The Centre at JHU conducted an analysis on the impact of pneumococcal vaccines (PCV10 and PCV13) on Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD) (PSERENADE project) to provide a better understanding of the epidemiology, distribution and regional variability of serotypes causing IPD. The Centre also leads a project with the aim to estimate the causes and determinants of child mortality to provide selected estimates of morbidities, etiologies and disabilities for important child conditions. Lastly, the Centre conducted a landscape analysis to outline the biologic factors affecting the effectiveness of maternal immunization for respiratory syncytial virus in low- and middle-income countries.
The Centre at the University of Texas tracked and documented progress on global vaccine development efforts against emerging infectious diseases (Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) Landscape Analysis and Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV) Landscape Analysis). The Centre has developed detailed analysis on aspects related to clinical evaluation of pipeline vaccines, such as safety considerations and regulatory strategies for product licensure, to assist WHO with guidance and consultations with the vaccine development community. The Centre has also completed detailed scientific analysis on host response, immune protection, immunological readouts and evaluation of preclinical vaccine candidates for emerging infectious diseases. In collaboration with WHO, the Centre provided inputs to baseline situation analyses and research and developed roadmaps for specific priority pathogens indicated by WHO. Lastly, the Centre provided technical inputs in the review of preferred product characteristics for vaccines against bacterial and viral pathogens.
Webnotes such as these serve to inform on how CCs are contributing to the Organization’s priorities and mandates.
*CC Expired.