Initiative aims to accelerate the development and accessibility of H5N1 messenger Ribonucleic Acid (mRNA) vaccine candidates for manufacturers in low- and middle-income countries(LMICs).
- This will done through mRNA Technology Transfer Programme (MTTP) of WHO, which will supplement the ongoing work under the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework.
- PIP aim is to improve and strengthen the sharing of influenza viruses with human pandemic potential and increasing LMIC access to vaccines.
- Significance: Promoting vaccine equity and preparation for next pandemic in decentralized way.
About mRNA Vaccine technology
- mRNA vaccines work by introducing a piece of mRNA that corresponds to a viral protein, usually a small piece of a protein found on the virus’s outer membrane.
- mRNA is a genetic molecule that contains instructions or recipe that directs cells to make a protein using its natural machinery.
- This mRNA prompts cells to create viral proteins, triggering the immune system to produce antibodies and boost immune system.
- For e.g. mRNA vaccine for COVID-19 directs cells to produce copies of a protein on the outside of the coronavirus known as the “spike protein”.
