Several examples of joint programs, international networks, consortia and other public–private partnerships have been established to foster and coordinate the development of vaccines with low feasibility and uncertain markets. For example, in the field of HIV, the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) acts as a full-scale AIDS vaccine research, advocacy and policy organization [56],

the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise is a “virtual” consortium of independent organizations that mobilizes resources and coordinates collaboration between HIV vaccine researchers worldwide via a shared strategic scientific plan [57], while the NIAID-supported HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) BEZ235 research buy focuses on small trials to address small molecule library screening fundamental scientific questions [58]. NIAID plays an

important role in supporting vaccine research and development at various stages, with the objective to help translate research into early products. It has preclinical and clinical resources and can help vaccine researchers and developers at different levels, for example, to develop an appropriate vaccine formulation, test vectors, conduct clinical trials, or to work on vaccination strategies in adolescents. NIAID can establish partnerships with research organizations, private partners, and industry (through CRADAs) [59], and works in contact with other government agencies such as CDC and FDA. Europe also has developed several mechanisms and programs to accelerate the development of vaccines, not including private-public partnerships such as the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) [60]. But NIAID seems to be the only research organization to have clearly identified STDs as an important global health priority because of their devastating impact on women and infants and their inter-relationships with HIV/AIDS.

For example, NIAID has been involved in clinical trials of HSV and gonorrhea vaccines [61]. A global public–private consortium could mobilize the common efforts of scientists in different disciplines and of all stakeholders involved in R&D and implementation of STI vaccines; ensure that sufficient resources are applied to R&D of vaccines against these STIs; and finally, provide the pull–push forces that are necessary to overcome the barriers to develop safe and effective vaccines against these diseases. The author alone is responsible for the views expressed in this article and does not necessarily represent the views, decisions or policies of the institutions with which she is affiliated.