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Dengue is a mosquito-born viral disease that
burdens tropical regions around the world. Yearly, in addition
to tens of millions of cases of severe dengue fever, an average
of 500,000 persons, mostly children, are hospitalized with
dengue hemorrhagic fever with high case fatality rates. No
specific treatment is available. The 20-21st century dengue
pandemic is the direct result of contemporary demographic and
life-style trends – the population explosion, urbanization and
rapid transportation of large numbers of people. Vector-control
strategies have been insufficient to counter this pandemic.
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A meeting convened by the Rockefeller Foundation and the International
Vaccine Institute in Vietnam in December 2001 focused on the challenges
and opportunities for the development of a pediatric dengue vaccine.
The meeting, and related working-group processes, have energized
the field and built unprecedented momentum to bring about a coordinated
global effort. This coincides with a 2002 resolution by the World
Health Assembly that stresses the negative impact of dengue on health
and development. |
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A window of opportunity now exists to bring effective and safe dengue
vaccines on-line quickly. To accelerate the process, a four-point
program was recommended: |
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1. Better define the global burden
of dengue.
2. Assess social and economic costs of dengue and their impact on
markets for dengue vaccines
3. Early preparation for the Phase 3 vaccine clinical trials.
4. Target basic research to assure dengue vaccine safety. |
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Pediatric Dengue Vaccine Initiative PDVI) to Address the Challenges
In 2003, the Pediatric Dengue Vaccine Initiative was established
with an office and secretariat hosted at the International Vaccine
Institute in Seoul, Korea. The Initiative is governed by a Board
of Counselors with a mission to “raise awareness and work with
public and private partners in the North and South to accelerate
the development and introduction of dengue vaccine(s) that are affordable
and accessible to poor children in endemic countries”. It will
also be a forum for improved advocacy and coordination of global
efforts on dengue vaccine development. To date, PDVI has received
grants totaling $56 million from the Rockefeller and Bill and Melinda
Gates Foundations. |
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