The Madagascar Institute for Vaccine Research (MIVR), a collaboration between the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) and the University of Antananarivo (UoA), is dedicated to advancing vaccine research and infectious disease control in Madagascar. Officially established on December 10, 2021, MIVR operates from a state-of-the-art facility on the UoA campus, funded through current and upcoming projects. The institute bolsters local research capacity, strengthens academic training, and positions Madagascar as a regional leader in vaccine development and clinical research.
Madagascar faces significant public health challenges, including the widespread prevalence of infectious diseases such as typhoid, schistosomiasis, and malaria. With limited access to vaccines and underdeveloped healthcare infrastructure in many areas, the country is highly vulnerable to outbreaks. MIVR addresses these critical gaps by:
By fostering a culture of research and innovation, MIVR ensures that Madagascar becomes an active participant in shaping global public health solutions rather than a passive recipient.
This initiative fills critical data gaps by conducting surveillance in rural Madagascar, studying vaccine hesitancy, and analyzing febrile illness. It is funded by Sweden’s Sida.
THECA assesses the safety and effectiveness of typhoid conjugate vaccines while providing crucial insights into vaccination campaigns' impact on AMR and healthcare costs.
With over a decade of experience in typhoid surveillance, this program offers deeper insights into severe typhoid fever's clinical and epidemiological patterns, focusing on blood culture-based surveillance.
Schistosomiasis remains a significant burden in Madagascar. VASA conducts Phase I clinical trials for the SchistoShield® vaccine, alongside comprehensive disease surveillance and cost-effectiveness analyses.
MIVR is not just a research hub; it is a cornerstone for strengthening Madagascar’s healthcare system and contributing to global public health progress. The institute’s work has far-reaching implications, including:
By prioritizing vaccines and research, MIVR not only addresses Madagascar’s immediate health needs but also contributes to long-term, sustainable improvements in public health. It underscores the critical importance of local solutions to global challenges, ensuring that Madagascar plays a leading role in the future of vaccine development and infectious disease prevention.