Norway-based Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have expanded their collaborative partnership through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The MoU will enable the two organisations to coordinate more effectively on projects that enhance the effectiveness of their respective efforts to protect people from the emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.
This agreement lays the foundation for closer coordination on vaccine R&D, supporting the shared goal of developing accessible, affordable and effective vaccines, and builds on CEPI’s growing partnership with the Indian life-science sector.
Key objectives include-
Plan, develop and implement clinical trial protocols for vaccines against priority pathogens (ii) Capacity strengthening of health personnel and researchers (iii) Develop and conduct epidemiological studies (iv) Development of standards, assays and diagnostics (v) Development of an epidemiology data-driven prioritization process (vi) Co-sponsorship and co-convening of scientific meetings and conferences (vii) Other areas of cooperation as may be mutually determined.
The Parties shall establish a Joint Working Group (JWG) or Joint Steering Committee (JSC) consisting of delegates from each organisation. The JWG shall convene a meeting once a year or as required.
