GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is to donate 50 million doses of its adjuvanted pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine to the World Health Organisation for distribution to developing countries most in need. GSK is working with WHO and health authorities to prepare for initial shipments of the vaccine to these countries by the end of November.
"GSK is committed to supporting governments and health authorities around the world in their efforts to protect their populations against this pandemic. Our commitment recognises the needs of developing countries, and this donation of 50 million doses will enable vaccination to begin soon in some of the world's poorest countries," said Andrew Witty, ceo of GlaxoSmithKline.
"This is a real gesture of global solidarity towards those who would not otherwise be able to have access to the vaccine," said Dr Margaret Chan, director general of WHO. "WHO will now work to see that these vaccines are distributed to those who need them."