Immunity.

Building a more resilient population by quantifying the burden of infectious diseases, which can be addressed by vaccines, antibiotics, or other interventions.

IHME has taken a science-based approach to define the present and future burden related to vaccine-preventable diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and other infectious diseases and to quantify the full impact of missed vaccinations, vaccine hesitancy, and disparities in prevention efforts. Today, many efforts to mitigate the risk of infectious diseases outbreaks, like immunization programs, face many challenges, especially in resource-limited settings. Data is needed to help understand the unmet need and accelerate support for infection prevention and control, as well as expanded access to vaccines. 

Goals of the Immunity Initiative:  

1. Generate evidence for decision-makers on the urgency of vaccine programs; 
2. Measure the impact of programs over time; and 
3. Increase immunity in the population.   

IHME Client Services is seeking interest from organizations who share the goal of using scientific evidence on infectious diseases around the world to build a more resilient population. Opportunities to expand on existing work through funding or custom analysis can help to:   

• Generate effective evidence for decision-makers.
• Measure the full impact of potential interventions and measure progress over time. 
• Anticipate the impact of vaccines in markets and age groups of interest in terms of averted deaths or DALYs. 
• Compare expected population-level outcomes across different scenarios. 
• Develop cost-effectiveness calculations.
• Inform national planning efforts and decisions. 

IHME Data and Tools: 

• MICROBE 
• COVID-19 Project 
• ​IHME’s Local Burden of Disease project (5x5km resolution) 

Contact Anna Bourland and Jam Suba if you are interested in learning more about ways to get involved with the Immunity Initiative.