Global Vaccine Market Report 2022 | 12 Nov 2022

Why in News?

Recently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) released ‘Global Vaccine Market Report 2022’.

• This is the first report to capture the implications of Covid-19 for vaccine markets highlighting the issue of vaccine inequity.

What are the Findings of the Report?

• Vaccine Inequity, not a Unique Phenomenon:
  • It shows that inequitable distribution is not unique to Covid-19 vaccines, with low-income countries consistently struggling to access vaccines that are in-demand by high-income countries. Limited vaccine supply and unequal distribution drive global disparities.
    • The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine against cervical cancer has only been introduced in 41% of low-income countries, even though they represent much of the disease burden, compared to 83% of high-income countries.
• Price Disparities:
  • Affordability is a major obstacle to vaccine access. While prices tend to be tiered by income, price disparities see middle-income countries paying as much – or even more – than wealthier ones for several vaccine products.
• Free-Market Dynamics:
  • Free market dynamics is depriving some of the world's poorest and most vulnerable people of their right to health. Therefore, changes are much needed to the global vaccine market to save lives, prevent disease and prepare for future crises.
• Scale-up during Health Emergencies:
  • Approximately 16 billion vaccine doses, worth US$ 141 billion, were supplied in 2021, almost three times the 2019 market volume (5.8 billion) and nearly three-and-a-half times the 2019 market value (US$ 38 billion).
    • The increase was primarily driven by Covid-19 vaccines, showing the incredible potential of how vaccine manufacturing can be scaled up in response to health needs.
• Concentrated Manufacturing Base:
  • Although manufacturing capacity worldwide has increased, it remains highly concentrated.
    • Ten manufacturers alone provide 70% of vaccine doses (excluding COVID-19).
    • Several of the top 20 most widely used vaccines (such as PCV, HPV, measles and rubella containing vaccines) each currently rely mainly on two suppliers.
    • In 2021, the African and Eastern Mediterranean regions were dependent on manufacturers headquartered elsewhere for 90% of their procured vaccines.
  • This concentrated manufacturing base leads to risk of shortages as well as regional supply insecurity.
  • Entrenched intellectual property monopolies and limited technology transfer further limit the ability of building and using local manufacturing capacity.
• Limited Investment in Vaccines Other than Covid-19:
  • The health of markets is also concerning for several of the vaccines commonly needed for emergencies, such as against cholera, typhoid, smallpox/monkeypox, Ebola, meningococcal disease, where demand surges with outbreaks and is hence less predictable.
    • The continued limited investment in these vaccines could be devastating for people’s lives.
• Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030):
  • The report highlights the opportunities for more alignment of vaccine development, production and distribution with a public health agenda, towards achieving the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) goals and informing pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response efforts.

What are the Recommendations of the Report?

• For Governments:
  • Frame clear immunization plans and more aggressive investment
  • Get a stronger oversight of vaccine development, production and distribution
  • Emphasise on regional research and manufacturing hubs
  • Devise pre-agreeing rules for government collaboration in times of scarcity on issues such as vaccine distribution, intellectual property and the circulation of inputs and goods.
• For Industry:
  • Focus on research efforts for WHO priority pathogens
  • Ensure transparency.
  • Facilitate technology transfer.
  • Commit to specific equity-driven allocation measures.
• For International Organizations and Partners:
  • Prioritize Immunization Agenda 2030 goals.
  • Support country-driven initiatives.
  • Push for the application of resolutions on market transparency.

Source: DTE