Mid-term evaluation : vaccine and immunodiagnostic development project (386-0503)

The project is implemented under the umbrella Indo-U.S. Vaccine Action Program (VAP). The evaluation covers the period through 5/91. Negative press coverage (aka "VAP Flap") in the very early stages of the VAP has greatly influenced project direction. Many applied research activities such as field trials for a malaria vaccine and epidemiological studies have been dropped. Instead, the project has focused on laboratory work, including development and testing of vaccines and diagnostic probes. The project has funded 8 collaborative research projects and another 20 pre-proposals are in the review process. Despite a very complex structure, the project has been effectively managed. The Secretariats in the United States and India have established procedures to provide researchers with the required support. Scientists from both countries have benefitted. Indian researchers have gained access to leading U.S. investigators, state-of-the-art techniques, and vital equipment for their laboratories. The U.S. side has improved its standing in India, especially among the scientific community, and has had the opportunity to work with diseases and materials not normally available in the United States. Research quality has varied from very good to fair. In some cases, the grants enabled researchers to develop their skills and laboratory equipment. Several other grantees were highly qualified and experienced and have carried out more balanced collaborations with their counterparts. However, the expectation that a vaccine in any of the priority diseases will be developed during the current project is unrealistic: the time is too short and funds are much too limited. Nonetheless, there have been notable intermediate scientific accomplishments such as new findings on rotavirus infections and greater understanding of hepatitis E and its impact on pregnant women. A number of VAP officials have voiced concerns about the project"s bias toward basic research. It is recommended that the follow-on project, if approved, attempt a better balance between basic and applied research and involve the private sector.