“Vaccines are only useful if they are available to those at risk. MSF is concerned that access to the Ervebo vaccine being used in the Ebola outbreak in the DRC response, could be constrained by manufacturing challenges. At a time when vaccines are urgently needed to help control outbreaks like Ebola, we must leave no stone unturned to ensure available supplies reach affected communities without delay. MSF calls on the pharmaceutical corporation Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) to allocate all Ervebo doses produced in the coming months for the global stockpile and urge high-income countries to avoid reserving doses beyond their immediate public health needs.  

Funders, developers and research organisations must seize the opportunity presented by ongoing and future vaccine trials to build clear access commitments into vaccine development from the outset.”

-Julien Potet, Senior Vaccines Advisor, MSF Access