A SYSTEMATIC METHOD FOR EVALUATING THE POTENTIAL VIABILITY OF LOCAL VACCINE PRODUCERS

Vaccine production exists in >55 countries, but many production facili ties cannot assure a reliable supply of existing or new vaccines. By a nalysing the characteristics of successful producers, we have identifi ed seven critical elements for viability, each defined by several indi cators. Each indicated weakness implies an investment to correct it. T hirty-one manufacturers were assessed based on these viability indicat ors and the implied investment costs. Three general groupings were fou nd. 'Viable' producers scored well in all seven categories. Those with a 'low probability' of viability are weak in all areas. Facilities re garded as 'potentially viable' may produce sufficient vaccine to meet national needs, but must develop appropriate structures to effectively manage change. This analysis provides a logical system for government s and donors to evaluate the potential effectiveness of further invest ment in local vaccine production. (C) 1997 Published by Elsevier Scien ce Ltd.