GAVI Watch [to 13 December 2014]
http://www.gavialliance.org/library/news/press-releases/

:: Gavi commits to purchasing Ebola vaccine for affected countries 
Vaccine Alliance ready to begin procurement as soon as WHO recommends a vaccine for use
Geneva, 11 December 2014 – Plans to purchase millions of doses of an Ebola vaccine to support large-scale vaccination efforts were today agreed by the board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Today’s decision means that Gavi will be ready to act as soon as a safe, effective vaccine is recommended for use by the World Health Organization.
The Gavi Board endorsed plans that could see up to US$ 300 million committed to procure the vaccines, to be used to immunise at risk populations in affected countries. Up to an additional US$ 90 million could be used to support countries to introduce the vaccines and to rebuild devastated health systems and restore immunisation services for all vaccines in Ebola-affected countries.

:: Dr Flavia Bustreo appointed Vice Chair of Gavi Board
11 December 2014
WHO Assistant Director-General will also chair the Board’s Governance Committee
Geneva, 11 December 2014 – Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance has today appointed World Health Organization Assistant Director-General for Family, Women’s and Children’s Health Dr Flavia Bustreo as the new Vice Chair of its Board.
Dr Bustreo has been a Gavi Board member since 2010 and will take up the position of Vice Chair on the January 1st 2015. As part of her responsibilities as Vice Chair of the Board, Dr Bustreo will also be the Chair of the Board’s Governance Committee and Vice Chair of the Executive Committee.
“I am very humbled by the Board’s decision, which is I believe is a reflection of the value of WHO’s critical role and contribution to the Alliance,” said Dr Bustreo. “I am also delighted that my appointment coincides with Human Rights Day and at a time when Gavi is embarking on its new strategy for 2016-2020, given that Gavi is such a critical instrument to saving and improving the lives of women and children and increasing equitable use of vaccines in lower income countries “
Dr Bustreo succeeds UNICEF Deputy Executive director Dr Geeta Rao Gupta who has served as Vice Chair since 2011.
“I am grateful to Geeta Rao Gupta for her strong support and counsel during a period of remarkable expansion of Gavi’s programmes,” said Gavi Board Chair Dagfinn Høybråten. “Geeta Rao Gupta was, along with Flavia Bustreo, a leading advocate in support of crucial board decisions including the approval of support for human papillomavirus vaccine and measles-rubella vaccine.”
“Flavia Bustreo’s appointment comes at an important moment for Gavi as we seek to secure funds for immunisation programmes between 2016 and 2020. We have a great deal of work to do if we are to reach every child with lifesaving vaccines and the knowledge and experience that Flavia will bring to her new role will help us address the challenges we face,” added Mr Høybråten.
Dr Bustreo has served as the WHO Assistant Director-General for Family, Women’s and Children’s Health since 2010. Her responsibilities include the oversight of WHO’s work on immunisation, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health, social and environmental determinants of health, gender, equity and human rights and ageing.