Working Group on New TB Vaccines - Terms of Reference

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE
STOP TB WORKING GROUP ON NEW VACCINES

The aim of the Stop TB Working Group on New Vaccines is to bring together the wide range of international groups with an interest in TB vaccine development, acting as a "broker" to promote synergy and to accelerate identification and introduction of the most effective vaccination strategy. This is achieved by representation of national and international public health organisms, major funding organizations, TB endemic countries, commercial and non-profit institutions involved in TB vaccine development, as well as experts in regulatory issues associated with vaccine development./p>

I. Mission

To ensure the availability of a safe, effective and resasonably priced new TB vaccine by 2015.

II. Objectives
  • Coordinate international activities that strengthen and accelerate the development and introduction of improved TB vaccines for the global community.
  • Promote a concerted approach to development and introduction of improved TB vaccines by encouraging useful interactions among groups involved in scientific research, clinical studies, epidemiological investigations, industrial development, regulatory programs and public health control programs.
  • Develop and implement a strategic action plan for the Initiative for Vaccine Research program at WHO to provide a framework for the development, clinical study and introduction of improved TB vaccines into endemic countries.
  • Interact with the Stop TB Partners to identify significant impediments to commercial development of improved TB vaccines and establish mechanisms for cooperation and collaborations that lead to accelerated TB vaccine development.
  • With the Global Partnership to Stop TB, prioritize actions needed and areas of new resources, including epidemiological studies, cost-effectiveness studies, formation of public/private partnerships for vaccine production, programs to address issues of regulatory streamlining and technology transfer that will advance the sustained access of improved TB vaccines to endemic countries.
  • Formulate with other Stop TB partners and Working Groups the integration of vaccine, immunotherapy and drug treatment programs to eliminate TB.
III. Secretariat

The role of the Secretariat will be to:

  • Serve as communication focal point for general and technical enquiries for the Working Group.
  • Use the input of WG members to draft the workplan and budget for the Working Group.
  • Organize annual meetings as required.
  • Organize conference calls of the Core Groups, sub-groups and Task Forces as required and post notes for the record on the WG website in a timely manner.
  • Follow up on action points.
  • Ensure that the Stop TB Partnership and other Working Groups are regularly provided with information on WG activities.
  • Maintain the WG website.
  • Disseminate information on policies, decisions and guidelines as directed by WG Chair.
  • Serve as liaison for technical assistance to members of the Working Groups.
  • Prepare an information update including a calendar of related meetings and contribute to the Partnership Communiqué as appropriate.
  • Coordinate the WG's contribution to larger Partnership mechanisms such as the Coordinating Board and the Partners Forum.
  • Draft and submit proposals for financial support to the Stop TB Partnership Executive Secretary.
  • Draft and submit reports on the use of Partnership funds to the Stop TB Executive Secretary.
IV. Core Group
  • Set priorities for action.
  • Oversee the development of policies.
  • Take responsibility for fund-raising to support activities of the group.
  • Recommend for consideration agendas, policies, schedules and projects that the full WG can undertake.
  • Create, monitor and disband Task Forces.
  • Act as an advisory body to Chair.
  • Ensure coordination with other Working Groups of the partnership.
V. Task Forces

Task Forces are intended as a flexible way for much of the technical work of the group to be undertaken. Task forces will be proposed by te Core Group to the Chair. Task forces will usually recruit their membership from the complete Working Group, but may decide to draw on ad hoc members from outside the Working Group. Only in exceptional cases, task forces may be semi-permanent, but most are likely to be short-term or event/activity oriented.

VI. Operating Procedures

The Working Group as a whole will meet at least once every two years. The draft agenda, list of participants, and other organizational aspects will be prepared by the Secretariat of the Working Group and endorsed by the Chair. The Chair will determine the meeting dates in coordination with the group members. Individual task forces may conduct conference calls on a regular basis to address specific issues as needed. In collaboration with the Secretariat, each sub-group will draft an annual workplan with clearly defined objectives, activities, products, budgets and outcomes.

VII. Reporting

The Chair is responsible for reporting to the Stop TB Partnership Coordinating Board and the Executive Secretary of the Stop TB Partnership Secretariat on issues relating to the Working Group as required.