Which of the following organisations was launched to develop vaccines against emerging infectious diseases?

The correct answer is Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).

Key Points

• CEPI was launched in 2017 at the World Economic Forum in Davos to accelerate the development of vaccines against emerging infectious diseases.
• Its primary focus is on diseases that pose a global epidemic threat, including COVID-19, Nipah virus, Lassa fever, and MERS-CoV.
• CEPI works on a "pre-emptive" approach, investing in vaccine platforms and technologies that can quickly respond to outbreaks.
• The organization is funded by multiple stakeholders, including governments, foundations, and private-sector partners, such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
• CEPI played a critical role in the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic by providing funding and fostering collaboration.

Additional Information

• Emerging Infectious Diseases: These are infections that have newly appeared in a population or are rapidly increasing in incidence, such as Ebola, Zika, and SARS-CoV-2.
• Vaccine Platforms: CEPI invests in technologies like mRNA, viral vector, and recombinant protein platforms to ensure rapid vaccine development against outbreaks.
• Global Health Security: CEPI aligns with global health initiatives like WHO's R&D Blueprint and the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board to enhance epidemic preparedness.
• Partnerships: CEPI collaborates with pharmaceutical companies, academia, and public health organizations to ensure equitable access to vaccines worldwide.
• ACT Accelerator: While CEPI focuses on vaccine development, the ACT Accelerator is a broader initiative aimed at speeding up access to COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines globally.