13 November 2025, KIGALI, Rwanda — The Board of Trustees of the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) convened in Kigali, Rwanda, this week for its meeting and a series of engagements with national and regional partners. The gathering underscored IVI’s commitment to strengthening vaccine research, development, and delivery across Africa in partnership with governments, academic institutions, and public health leaders to advance global health and pandemic preparedness.

During its meeting, the Board reaffirmed IVI’s dedication to building a sustainable and equitable vaccine ecosystem on the continent—working alongside African partners to expand innovation, capacity, and collaboration that will drive long-term health impact. The Board reviewed progress toward institutional objectives and discussed priorities for 2026 and the next phase of IVI’s strategic plan.

During their time in Kigali, the Board visited the Rwanda National Health Intelligence Center to engage with national counterparts and witness Rwanda’s leadership in disease prevention and health system strengthening. Board members also met with key partners and distinguished leaders, including Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Minister of Health as well as Dr. Yvan Butera, Minister of State for Health.

IVI signed a memorandum of understanding with Purpose Africa to accelerate the development, approval, and equitable access to needed vaccines and health technologies in Africa. IVI also renewed its partnership with Thailand’s National Vaccine Institute to strengthen vaccine security, preparedness, and long-term capacity across Asia.

“Our time in Rwanda has been both reflective and forward-looking—celebrating IVI’s achievements while shaping the path ahead for our work in and with partners across Africa,” said Mr. George Bickerstaff, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees. “The community gathered here to support of IVI is proof that our shared vision for a healthier future for all depends on partnership across all sectors.”

Dr. Jerome H. Kim, Director General of IVI, added: “Africa is charting a bold course in vaccine science, innovation, and manufacturing. The collaboration we see in Rwanda reflects a growing movement to build sustainable and resilient health systems driven by local leadership and global partnership, and IVI and its board are proud to be a partner.”

In addition to its formal meeting, the Board took part in the IVI-University of Rwanda Joint Symposium: Advancing Health Through Research and Innovation at the university’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences on 13 November. The symposium brought together a variety of stakeholders for discussions on how collaboration can drive progress across Africa’s health landscape—from expanding research capacity and strengthening vaccine manufacturing to building sustainable and resilient health systems.

Rwanda has been an exemplary partner in helping advance a shared vision for a healthier, more resilient Africa, including by hosting the IVI Africa Regional Office. IVI extends its deep gratitude to the Government of Rwanda, the University of Rwanda, and all colleagues whose leadership and support continue to shape meaningful progress in global health.

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About the International Vaccine Institute

The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) is an independent international organization originally established at the initiative of the United Nations Development Programme in 1997. Its mission is to discover, develop, and deliver safe, effective, and affordable vaccines—empowering vaccine equity, impact, and sustainability globally.

IVI’s current portfolio includes vaccines in multiple stages of pre-clinical and clinical development targeting infectious diseases that significantly impact low- and middle-income countries, including cholera, typhoid fever, chikungunya, shigellosis, salmonellosis, schistosomiasis, hepatitis E, HPV- and group A strep-related diseases, and COVID-19. IVI developed the world’s first low-cost oral cholera vaccine and a new-generation typhoid conjugate vaccine, both pre-qualified by the World Health Organization (WHO).

IVI is headquartered in Seoul, Republic of Korea with a Europe Regional Office in Sweden, an Africa Regional Office in Rwanda, a Country Office in Austria, and a Country and Project Office in Kenya. IVI additionally co-founded the Hong Kong Jockey Club Global Health Institute in Hong Kong and hosts Collaborating Centers in Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Madagascar. 42 countries and the WHO are members of IVI, and the governments of the Republic of Korea, Sweden, India, Finland, Austria, and Thailand provide state funding. For more information, please visit https://www.ivi.int.

Contact

Kevin Keen, Head of Communications

kevin.keen@www.ivi.int