Excellencies, 

It is challenging time for all of us being on the front line of the fights against the COVID-19 pandemic. There is, however, strong hope that countries will get over the emergency situations due to the efforts taken by Governments. We believe numbers will stabilize and go down to such levels that allow the start of weakening of the quarantine measures country by country.

I hereby inform you that on March 19, 2020, the GAVI Alliance Board virtual meeting was held, and on May 11 there will be another online session that will mainly discuss issues related to GAVI response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

For your information and feedback I am attaching a comprehensive document that summarizes the decisions on the May 19 meeting and includes the Agenda as well as the material for the upcoming discussions of May 11.

I would like to emphasize two items for decision of Board on the Agenda of May 11 meeting: GAVI’s Immediate and Interim response to COVID-19 (item 4) as well as IFFIM assessment proposal (item 3). This item for decision is considered in the light of effort to support development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Earlier in April a global platform COVID-19 Tools’ (ACT) Accelerator was formed to advance development and production and assure equitable global access to new COVID-19 essential health technologies including vaccines. Gavi will co-lead the Accelerator’s vaccine pillar with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).

Taking this opportunity I would like to let you know that the Programme Policy Committee meeting will be held in the end of May and you will be receiving the information package for comments and feedback in due time.

Meanwhile, I will stand ready to provide any additional information should you find necessary.

Thank you.  

Ruzan Gyurjyan, MA MPH 

Special Adviser to the Board Member representing Developing Country Constituency for EURO Region