Duke Kunshan University’s global health research center, led by professor Shenglan Tang, has received a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to establish a laboratory that will conduct research on the implementation of vaccine introductions and improvement of immunization programs across China.
The Innovation Lab for Vaccine Delivery Research will be hosted by Duke Kunshan University, and established in collaboration with key partners including top national government think tanks, health agencies at national and regional level, first-rate universities, research centers and industry. It aims to generate new scientific evidence to inform policy-making aimed at strengthening and improving China’s national immunization program (NIP). The project is expected to start in the fall of 2021 and last for two years.
“The NIP in China has made great strides in the expansion and implementation of vaccines over the past three decades, and there has been a dramatic decline in relevant vaccine-prevented diseases,” said Tang, who is founding director of Duke Kunshan’s Global Health Research Center, deputy director of Duke Global Health Institute and Mary D.B.T. and James Semans Professor at the School of Medicine at Duke University.
“However, challenges still remain, such as insufficient inclusion of WHO-recommended vaccines and systematic hurdles to program implementation. The Innovation Lab will generate high-quality evidence to support expansion and effective implementation of the program, so that more people in China can enjoy the health benefits brought by vaccines,” he added.
The project is expected to start in December 2021 and last for two years. The specific objectives of the project are to: 1) commission a number of small studies and policy reviews on new vaccine introduction and innovative immunization service delivery and financing; 2) provide technical assistance to Gates grantees in undertaking related research; 3) disseminate new research findings and knowledge for better informed policy-making and policy implementation; and 4) support the Gates Foundation’s Beijing office in effective management of vaccine-related research projects.
DKU Chancellor Youmei Feng said: “I am very delighted that the Global Health Research Center of our university will establish a scientific innovation platform for vaccine delivery and contribute to the implementation of national vaccine immunization. As an integral part of our research system and graduate education, the Global Health Research Center is committed to addressing major health challenges, and improving the health and well-being of people in China and beyond.”
Scott MacEachern, vice chancellor for academic affairs at Duke Kunshan University, added, “We now have a strong understanding of the importance of vaccine development. Just as important as vaccine development is the delivery of vaccines. Thanks to the Gates Foundation and its partners, the new laboratory will provide academic support for immunization practices in China. Our Global Health Research Center is committed to innovative, interdisciplinary approaches to health policy challenges and is an ideal platform for this type of research.”
