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Opération Vaccins :
an Aventis Pasteur/Handicap International partnership

Aventis Pasteur is a world leader in the field of vaccinations, developing life-saving protection against 18 preventable illnesses and producing over a million doses of vaccines per year. In collaboration with the World Health Organisation and UNICEF and using its global network, Aventis Pasteur also helps address the public health needs in developing countries.

In 1990, Pasteur Mérieux Connaught, since become Aventis Pasteur, sought partnership with the humanitarian organisation Handicap International to establish a mechanism for vaccine donation: Aventis Pasteur provides a stock of vaccines, Handicap International manages the requests for vaccine donation, and requests are then validated by a Steering Committee made up of members of both parties.

Requests that receive donations are often for emergency situations: natural disasters, war, refugee movements, famines, and so on. Others are more punctual requests, for example, a vaccination campaign, a specific health epidemic, or in the cadre of other non-governmental organisation activities.

Submitting a request :

Below is a list of items that the Steering Committee considers important and that should be addressed in a request for vaccine donation.

• What are the context, objectives and activities of the project as a whole ? How does vaccination help meet these objectives ?
  
  
• What vaccination coverage is currently provided by the government ?
  
  
• What is the target population who will benefit from the vaccine donation ?
  
  
• How was the need for vaccination assessed ?
  
  
• What specific vaccines are needed? How many doses and in what denominations ?
  
  
• Will there be collaboration with the established health infrastructure ?
  
  
• Can you ensure appropriate authorisation for importation, transport, and respect of the cold chain from the moment of dispatch to the final destination ?

  Note: Transport of the vaccines from France to the final destination (cost included) is the responsibility of the RECEIVING organisation.

How to proceed and what to expect :

• Submit your request to Handicap International at least 2 months in advance through the following email address: Opvaccin@handicap-international.org
  
  
• Use the questions outlined above as a guide in formulating your request. Be sure that your contact information (address, telephone, fax, email) is clearly indicated.
  
  
• Your request will be reviewed by the Steering Committee of Aventis Pasteur/Handicap International, which meets regularly. The Committee may in return ask for further information or clarification on certain points before granting a donation.
  
  
• After review by the Steering Committee, Handicap International will contact you directly with the final decision. Thereafter, logistical issues can be sorted out as needed.
  - Note: The vaccines are delivered free of charge to an address in France on the specified date. YOU, the requesting organisation or individual, are responsible for their reception.
  - Note: You will be advised of the date and time of delivery as soon as it is confirmed by the Service Expédition of Aventis Pasteur.
  
  
• The vaccines are packaged at the Aventis Pasteur laboratories in insulated boxes to allow for preservation (without refrigeration) for 48 hours.
  
  
• YOU, the receiving organisation or individual, are entirely responsible for the cost of transport and refrigeration.
  
  
• Aventis Pasteur will provide an "Attestation de Dons", indicating that the vaccines were donated, to facilitate customs procedures.
  
  
• The Steering Committee asks that you give feedback about the use of the donated vaccines in written form and that you send photos, if possible.
  
  
• If the vaccines are to be used in France, delivery must be made to a medical doctor or medical institution who can ensure proper storage and administration of the vaccines.