International Vaccine Institute

09/06/2026

Strengthening Africa’s vaccine ecosystem means building the capacity to develop, test, and manufacture vaccines closer to the communities that need them most—including for emerging public health threats such as chikungunya.

IVI has joined the newly launched ACT-CHIK consortium, supported by the EU’s Horizon Europe program through the Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking, to accelerate a promising chikungunya vaccine candidate and prepare for manufacturing in Africa.

IVI’s experience in clinical development and capacity building will support a multi-country clinical trial across Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Senegal.

Chikungunya—a debilitating mosquito-borne viral disease—is an emerging public health threat that continues to affect millions, with climate change heightening the risk of outbreaks across Africa and beyond.

🔗 Read more: https://www.ivi.int/ivi-partners-in-act-chik-consortium-to-advance-chikungunya-vaccine-development-and-manufacturing-in-africa/

05/06/2026

“At a time when strong institutions in global health are more important than ever, we need organizations that go further than vaccine R&D—and IVI stands out for driving implementation and real-world impact.”

As Professor Helen Rees begins her tenure as Chairperson of the International Vaccine Institute’s Board of Trustees, these words reflect both her vision for global health and the role IVI can play in advancing it.

A globally renowned physician, researcher, educator, public health leader, and founder and Executive Director at Wits RHI, Prof. Rees has dedicated her career to strengthening health systems, advancing vaccine research and access, and responding to some of the world’s most pressing health challenges. From HIV and reproductive health to epidemic preparedness and immunization, her work has helped shape programs and policies that safeguard and improve lives across Africa and beyond.

As IVI enters its next phase of growth, we look forward to gaining from Prof. Rees’s leadership, experience, and visionary commitment to health equity.

Welcome, Helen.

04/06/2026

Partnerships that connect vaccine innovation with vaccine access are essential to improving global health and expanding vaccine equity. It was in this spirit that we were honored to welcome Rt. Hon. Helen Clark, Chair of the Board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to IVI headquarters in Seoul.

Chair Clark toured our facilities and met with IVI Director General Jerome H. Kim to discuss the future of global immunization, vaccine equity, and the importance of sustained investment in solutions for diseases that continue to burden communities around the world.

IVI and Gavi share a commitment to ensuring that life-saving vaccines reach those who need them most. While IVI advances vaccine research, development, innovation, and capacity building, Gavi brings together partners to expand vaccine access, shape healthy markets, and support immunization programs at scale. Together, these complementary efforts help turn scientific innovation into public health impact worldwide.

We thank Chair Clark and her team for their visit and look forward to continued collaboration in support of a healthier, more equitable future.

04/06/2026

Join us at the 2026 Global Vaccine Forum as leaders from government, academia, industry, and public health come together to strengthen partnerships for vaccine equity and global health preparedness.

Hosted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, EuBiologics, IVI, and the RIGHT Foundation, this year’s discussions will focus on:
• Expanding vaccine access in low- and middle-income countries
• Advancing immunization strategies for aging populations in the Asia-Pacific

We are honored to welcome distinguished speakers and panelists from IVI, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Africa CDC, Stanford University, Seoul National University, Chulalongkorn University, the RIGHT Foundation, and other leading institutions.

Can’t join us in Seoul? Attend virtually through our free livestream.

📅 25 June 2026
📍 Seoul | Online
🔗 Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4kVNdwq06g6QDsv4K07ndgt5ONdxK5N9PZ3Z08StrLw7G4A/viewform?usp=header

26/05/2026

New research in Nature Medicine examines the future vaccine landscape—and the growing challenges facing equitable access, funding, manufacturing, and implementation worldwide.

Key insights:
• Expanding vaccination beyond infancy to adolescents, pregnancy, and older adults
• Accelerating innovation through new vaccine technologies and delivery platforms
• Strengthening regional manufacturing and preparedness capacity
• Addressing persistent gaps for high-burden but underfunded diseases

The Perspective was co-authored by IVI Director General Jerome Kim and Africa Regional Office Regional Director Nicaise Ndembi.

Read the Perspective: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-026-04384-9.epdf?sharing_token=8UOEXMCRE9wdBDhzv_KiuNRgN0jAjWel9jnR3ZoTv0NUQCpSaGRFPXoZg4dfeyN-yFHS3qk70-NUV5q0M3PvfFDfDU0LbUw79Oy8zp4ho5rACDHq08YnOLsgqSx0P-f1W-pwD-XHEEiVlCYhLn0FAsdiP-KDl19HYxFmbN7hKHY%3D

21/05/2026

The International Vaccine Institute is seeking a Deputy Director General of Global Affairs and Communications / Special Envoy for Global Health Diplomacy.

This senior leadership role will help shape and advance IVI’s global engagement, communications, diplomacy, and strategic partnerships in support of its mission to discover, develop, and deliver safe, effective, and affordable vaccines—empowering vaccine equity, impact, and sustainability globally.

Learn more and apply: https://www.ivi.int/deputy-director-general-global-affairs-and-communication-special-envoy-for-global-health-diplomacy-based-in-seoul/

20/05/2026

Achieving vaccine equity and pandemic preparedness requires stronger local and regional biomanufacturing capacity.

At an official side event during the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, hosted by the Department of Health (Philippines), IVI, as well as Brazil, Kenya, and the Republic of Korea, global health leaders explored pathways for advancing vaccine self-reliance and building sustainable end-to-end vaccine ecosystems.

The conversation focused on how Global South-led collaboration, sustainable financing, and stronger regional partnerships can accelerate resilient end-to-end vaccine ecosystems.

Learn more: https://www.ivi.int/health-leaders-unite-at-world-health-assembly-to-advance-biomanufacturing-self-reliance-and-pandemic-resilience/

20/05/2026

Strengthening clinical trials systems is essential to advancing health equity, improving preparedness, and ensuring scientific progress benefits all populations.

At a side event during the 79th World Health Assembly, “Catalyzing Global Collaboration to Strengthen Clinical Trials Systems,” hosted by IVI and the Pasteur Network and co-sponsored by the governments of Brazil, Ghana, Rwanda, Sweden, and Viet Nam, global health leaders addressed a persistent imbalance in clinical research.

Although low- and middle-income countries bear a large share of the global disease burden, they continue to host only a small proportion of clinical trials, creating critical evidence gaps and limiting the effectiveness of health interventions.

A clear message echoed: stronger collaboration and sustained international partnerships are needed to build resilient research systems that enable all countries to generate and use high-quality evidence.

We thank all speakers and panelists for their leadership and commitment to advancing trusted, locally driven research capacity.

Read more: https://www.ivi.int/global-health-leaders-call-for-coordinated-action-to-strengthen-equitable-and-sustainable-clinical-trials-systems-at-world-health-assembly/

15/05/2026

“Connect. Share. Evolve.”

To know George Bickerstaff is to hear these words often. Not simply as a saying, but as principles he lives by through the way he has led, encouraged, and brought people together throughout his years of service to the International Vaccine Institute.

After 17 years with IVI—as Board Member, Treasurer, Vice Chairperson, and Chairperson—George has stepped down as an active member of the IVI Board of Trustees while remaining an Emeritus Trustee.

Throughout his tenure, George helped guide IVI through chapters of challenge and extraordinary opportunity. With unwavering conviction in IVI’s mission and its people, he played a defining role in helping shape our institute into the international organization it is today.

Under his leadership, IVI expanded its global presence, deepened its partnerships with governments and peer organizations, and advanced vaccines that continue to protect communities worldwide, including IVI’s oral cholera vaccine.

In his recent words to the IVI team at a farewell gathering in Seoul, George encouraged us to continue “finding good, smart people doing interesting things—and helping them.” He often reflected on how this idea had guided him throughout his career, and how he believed it captured the very best of IVI: talented people from around the world coming together in service of a shared mission to improve lives through vaccination.

Thank you, George, for your leadership and belief in what IVI—and we—can achieve. We are grateful that IVI will continue to benefit from your guidance as Emeritus Trustee and wish you all the best in the journey ahead.

15/05/2026

Strengthening regional health security and expanding Africa’s vaccine research, development, and manufacturing capabilities, IVI and the Government of Kenya have signed a Host Country Agreement establishing the IVI Kenya Country and AVEC Africa Project Office, in a ceremony in Nairobi presided by H.E. Dr. William S. Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya.

The agreement reflects a shared commitment to supporting African-led innovation and building a stronger, more connected vaccine ecosystem across the country and continent. Through the Advancing Vaccine End-to-End Capabilities in Africa (AVEC Africa) project, IVI and its partners are working to connect and strengthen African institutions and expertise to help build a more sustainable vaccine ecosystem.

We are grateful to the Government of Kenya for their partnership and look forward to deepening our engagement in Nairobi and beyond in support of regional health security.

Learn more: https://www.ivi.int/ivi-and-government-of-kenya-sign-host-country-agreement-to-establish-country-office/

Photo courtesy of the Government of Kenya.

The International Vaccine Institute is an international organization with the mission to discover, develop, and deliver safe, effective, and affordable vaccines for global health.