Presentation: Daniel Berman

Daniel Berman, Deputy Director at Médecins Sans Frontières Access Campaign has given a great presentation about vaccine pricing and adaptation in developing countries at the World Vaccine Congress last week.

MSF annually vaccinates over 10 million people around the world. Mr. Berman said that MSF considers the provision of specific prices for specific products by UNICEF, rather than just average prices, as a landmark improvement in price reporting and transparency. This helps improve understanding of the dynamics of vaccine pricing in the global marketplace. MSF looks at the potential role of vaccine adaptation in increasing the reach of immunization services to difficult-to-reach populations. They are also interested in making the vaccines easier to use in field settings.

Over time, there is a rising cost of immunizing each child. Some recent additions to the WHO recommended routine immunization schedule (Hep B in 2004, Hib in 2006, Pneumo in 2010, Rotavirus and Rubella in 2011), have brought the cost to just under $40 per child. When comparing this price with the average cost today in countries like the US (~$1000), this price looks good, but these increases are a major reason for concern over the sustainability of childhood vaccinations globally.

Download the full presentation to find out more about vaccine pricing and adaptation in developing countries.