Gates-linked vaccine group supports likely WHO resolution to fight pneumonia in poorer nations

Vaccine body supports WHO action on pneumonia

GENEVA — A global vaccine group hopes the World Health Organization will pass a resolution later this week to step up efforts against pneumonia.

Former Irish President Mary Robinson says the GAVI alliance, a partner of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, wants to send pneumonia and rotavirus vaccines to more than 40 developing countries. But it needs $2.6 billion in funding through 2015.

Robinson, GAVI’s chairwoman, said Tuesday that WHO’s support would be a “terrific step forward. Pneumonia is the biggest child killer, and there’s such an inequity to it.”

Britain proposed the resolution at WHO’s 193-nation World Health Assembly. It should come to a vote by Friday.

Britain’s GlaxoSmithKline and U.S.-based Pfizer Inc. make pneumonia vaccines.