Global agency unveils first vaccine projects.

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As a part of its international launch event GALVmed -the Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines--has unveiled the first in a series of livestock animal health projects in Nairobi.

GALVmed, a not-for-profit company and charity, announced progress on Newcastle Disease, East Coast Fever and Rift Valley Fever--in a launch event at the KARI (Kenya Agricultural Research Institute) in Nairobi.

It is highly appropriate that GALVmed is choosing to launch in Kenya. Although part of a worldwide agenda, the event in Nairobi will be seen as particularly timely following the deaths of more than 150 people in Kenya from the recent outbreak of Rift Valley Fever.

The announcement marked the beginning of a 10-year programme, aimed at creating sustainable solutions to the loss of human and animal life caused by livestock diseases. These affect 600 million of the poorest people in developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Asia and South America.

Among those attending the event were the Hon. Abu Chiaba, M.P, representing the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development; representatives of the British Governments DFID (Department for International Development) and other dignitaries.

GALVmed's International Director of Research and Development Samuel Thevasagayam and his team focus upon the development of livestock vaccines and animal health diagnostics and medicines.

"Here in Kenya, for example, where many families rear chickens to generate income, Newcastle Disease can quickly destroy flocks and prevent rural communities from creating their own prosperity", he said.

"On this project alone we are working with many partners, including KARI, bringing together the learning and experiences of others to create a sustainable supply chain and delivery mechanism for vaccines".

GALVmed's Chief Executive Steve Sloan explained, "Every year, farmers lose an average of a quarter and in some cases half, of their herds and flocks to preventable disease. This devastates the economy and--because many of these diseases are zoonotic, transferring from animals to humans--it creates the triple impact of poverty, preventable illness and lost lives".

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