The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has announced a new plan to better protect the world from dangerous viruses, as deadly disease outbreaks happen more often.

The new five-year plan, called CEPI 3.0, was launched on February 13. CEPI is asking governments, donors, and partners to invest US$2.5 billion to strengthen global disease preparedness.

Speaking at the launch, Chief Executive Officer of CEPI, Richard Hatchett, said the world suffered greatly during COVID-19 because it was not ready.

He said recent outbreaks of diseases like Ebola, Nipah and Marburg show that epidemics and pandemics remain a serious global threat. “Science offers us a solution: by taking decisive action now we can secure a safer future for all,” he stated.

Research cited by CEPI shows that another pandemic like COVID-19 is likely in this generation. Such outbreaks could cost the world more than US$700 billion every year.

CEPI 3.0, which will start in 2027, focuses on fairness and access. A key goal is the 100 Days Mission to develop safe and effective vaccines within 100 days of discovering a new dangerous virus. CEPI says millions of lives could have been saved if COVID-19 vaccines had been ready that fast.

Under the plan, CEPI will support vaccines for known and new diseases, strengthen rapid vaccine production platforms, and build global scientific networks. It also plans to secure 1 to 2 billion vaccine doses through regional manufacturing.

Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Director-General Dr Jean Kaseya said the partnership with CEPI is helping Africa detect outbreaks early and build vaccine production capacity.

“Our partnership with CEPI helps Africa to strengthen our surveillance capacity so we can detect outbreaks early and to put in place the infrastructure to develop and manufacture safe and effective vaccines that make Africa and the world safer.”

CEPI has already secured US$1.1 billion and is now seeking the remaining US$2.5 billion to fully deliver the plan, in collaboration with partners including the World Health Organization.

CEPI says investing now will save lives, protect economies, and make the world safer.