In April 2021 the WHO announced the mRNA technology transfer Hub Programme to support the local production of vaccine doses. This announcement is part of a global effort to support local manufacturers. To help Programme our funders having to have a broader understanding of the current investment in COVID-19 vaccine local production, MPP has been asked to map out parallel initiatives(definition below). The database aims at improving equitable access and prepare countries for the next pandemic by providing an overview of the pandemic readiness plan of manufacturers in LMICs. Doing so will facilitate global coherence to prevent duplication of work and identify possible gaps. Moreover, the WHO encouraged collaboration with parallel initiatives to avoid duplications but also to provide support to some of them with access to training and support with regulatory aspects.

PARALLEL INITIATIVE (as used in this context):  any project developed independently from the mRNA technology transfer Hub Programme and led by private or public partners that support pandemic preparedness with a specific focus on the local production of COVID-19 vaccines. MPP’s database lists exclusively investments made on continents where recipients of the technology (spokes) are located.