The role of the vaccines industry in Mission Grand Convergence.

The vast majority of vaccines used throughout the world are supplied by the private sector. It is essential therefore that the industry is closely engaged in future policy developments at a national and international level and is able to respond to the changing needs and priorities that may be required to ensure the success of Mission Grand Convergence. Uniquely, the major vaccine companies have the expertise and technical capacity to develop, produce and supply vaccines on a global scale. Through partnering with Governments, charities and NGOs, they must play a pivotal role in the Mission and, at the same time as agreeing on objectives that may not be entirely market driven, must be able to sustain their commercial obligations to shareholders. Similarly, small and medium sized companies, with the global investor market and government incentives that underpin and support them, also have a very important role to play; for example in innovation around a given disease and on technology, process and platform development across the whole value chain. The industry at large is therefore an essential player. Indeed Mission Grand Convergence can only succeed with the full and willing participation of the vaccines industry.