Devex: Battle over CEPI’s access to vaccines policy deepens
“The board of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations has stood by its revised equal access policy after questions were raised about maintaining access to vaccines. But Médecins Sans Frontières, which led the criticisms, said its concerns about the policy had deepened since its initial objections last year, and that the board’s response had failed to address those issues. … At the conclusion of CEPI’s meeting Friday, Jane Halton, chair of the board, told Devex the board had considered the issues raised by MSF in ‘great detail’ and maintained they ‘share a common purpose’ with partners like MSF in tackling the ‘devastating impacts of epidemics, particularly in already vulnerable communities.’ … But global health advocates remain unconvinced…” (Ravelo, 3/11).

The Telegraph: Warning over lack of transparency in the development of vaccines
“Vaccines to combat emerging infectious diseases such as Ebola or Zika may become too expensive because safeguards ensuring fair pricing have been watered down, campaigners have warned. In an open letter to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness (CEPI) — set up in 2017 to develop vaccines against deadly but neglected infectious diseases — charity Médecins Sans Frontières warns that the coalition has taken an ‘alarming step backwards’ in its new equitable access policy. … In a statement on its website, CEPI said the ‘rules-based approach’ of its previous policy acted as a ‘barrier to potential partners.’ It now has a ‘principles-based approach that provides a robust foundation for advancing equitable access’…” (Gulland, 3/8).