Latest news with #SabinVaccineInstitute
Hamilton Spectator
21-07-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Veteran Global Health Leader, Dr. Rebecca Martin, Named President of Global Immunization at Sabin
WASHINGTON, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Renowned global health expert Rebecca Martin, PhD, recognized internationally for her leadership in developing and implementing immunization programs and strengthening health systems, joins the Sabin Vaccine Institute today as President of Global Immunization, assuming the reins of the nonprofit's efforts in vaccination innovation and extending vaccine access. Martin most recently served as Vice President for Global Health at Emory University, and as the Director of the Emory Global Health Institute, following a 24-year career with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She is also an adjunct professor in the Department of Global Health at Emory. She brings decades of successful partnering with global, regional and country-level health leaders in infectious disease prevention, as well as in-country experience leading low- and middle-income country (LMIC) health and immunization initiatives. Her extensive CDC career includes ten years working in Kenya, Tanzania, and Denmark, seconded to the World Health Organization African and European regions. In her four years in Nairobi, Kenya, she provided technical expertise to eight East African countries focused on vaccine-preventable disease surveillance, prevention and elimination strategies and policies, and new vaccine introductions. For several years in Dar as Salaam, Tanzania, she led surveillance and workforce development for CDC as part of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and supervised staff in surveillance, health management information systems (HMIS), monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and human capacity development for CDC HIV/AIDS programs. Currently, she serves as the Vice-Chair for WHO Regional Office for Africa (AFRO) Emergency Preparedness & Response Technical Advisory Group (EPR-TAG), an independent advisory group providing strategic guidance on all matters pertaining to public health emergency preparedness and response in Africa. 'With her global, country and local-level experience, Rebecca has the first-hand expertise needed to address today's challenging immunization landscape, and more importantly, to co-create new solutions with public and private partners to boost lagging immunization rates and prevent human suffering,' says Sabin CEO Amy Finan. 'She is an outstanding addition to Sabin's executive team and will lead Sabin's global immunization work as we continue to respond to the needs of individual countries and help shape new global strategies with partners to increase access and uptake of vaccines.' Martin calls her new role a 'full circle' moment. 'I am honored and excited to join the Sabin Vaccine Institute as President of Global Immunization, bringing my experience, knowledge, and commitment to Sabin's critical mission in making vaccines available to everyone, everywhere,' she says. 'I am thrilled to work with the dedicated colleagues at Sabin who are passionate about tackling vaccine-preventable diseases through collaboration with stakeholders from multiple sectors in addition to health,' she adds. 'There is no moment more urgent than now to innovate and double down on our efforts to prevent illness and save lives through immunization.' Sabin's Global Immunization team works with local and national governments and academic, global, and philanthropic partners to put communities at the heart of solutions that tackle urgent vaccination challenges, with a renewed focus to bolster the falling coverage in childhood routine immunization and support life-course immunization. In 2023, almost 14.5 million children received no vaccinations, according to WHO, an increase of 2.7 million more children compared to 2019. The Sabin team brings expertise across the immunization spectrum, including building global communities of practice, identifying barriers and creating solutions to improve vaccine access and delivery of current and new vaccines, and conducting epidemiological research to support immunization. Sabin's skills are applied to multiple infectious diseases, including HPV, typhoid, cholera, rotavirus, COVID-19 and malaria. Additional work includes efforts to immunize zero-dose children and transition to hexavalent vaccines in national immunization programs. During her tenure at Emory, Martin built and aligned multidisciplinary global health infrastructure, fostered global collaborations across health organizations, led interdisciplinary global health research and worked to build the next generation of global health leaders. She was also a member of Emory's Woodruff Health Sciences Center leadership team. Martin's most recent role with the CDC was Director of the Center for Global Health, then the largest operating unit at the CDC. Her achievements include leading the CDC's global efforts across disease initiatives and through the start of the global health security agenda, including polio eradication and disease control acceleration and elimination for vaccine-preventable diseases, malaria elimination, ending HV epidemics, and strengthening health systems to detect and respond to disease threats and emergencies. Martin received her Doctor of Philosophy from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in international health with a focus on infectious disease epidemiology. She has co-authored manuscripts and developed strategic plans, normative guidance and guidelines on immunization strategies, vaccine-preventable diseases and surveillance methods for both immunization and HIV, and for global health security. About the Sabin Vaccine Institute The Sabin Vaccine Institute is a leading advocate for expanding vaccine access and uptake globally, advancing vaccine research and development, and amplifying vaccine knowledge and innovation. Unlocking the potential of vaccines through partnership, Sabin has built a robust ecosystem of funders, innovators, implementers, practitioners, policy makers and public stakeholders to advance its vision of a future free from preventable diseases. As a nonprofit with three decades of experience, Sabin is committed to finding solutions that last and extending the full benefits of vaccines to all people, regardless of who they are or where they live. At Sabin, we believe in the power of vaccines to change the world. For more information, visit and follow us on X @SabinVaccine. Media Contact: Monika Guttman Senior Media Relations Specialist Sabin Vaccine Institute +1 (202) 621-1691 press@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Toronto Star
14-05-2025
- Health
- Toronto Star
Noted Vaccine Researcher and Leader Kate O'Brien Awarded Sabin's Gold Medal; Physician Livancliff Mbianke of Cameroon Receives Rising Star Award
WASHINGTON, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Sabin Vaccine Institute today awarded the Albert B. Sabin Gold Medal to pediatrician Katherine O'Brien, MD, MPH, for her research on the pneumococcal vaccine and leadership in global vaccine research and access, and its Rising Star Award to dedicated physician and public health specialist Livancliff Mbianke, MD, MPH, of Cameroon. The awards were presented at a ceremony in the National Academy of Sciences building in Washington D.C. O'Brien is a pioneering global health leader whose innovative work in vaccine access and policy has transformed immunization programs worldwide.
Globe and Mail
14-05-2025
- Health
- Globe and Mail
Noted Vaccine Researcher and Leader Kate O'Brien Awarded Sabin's Gold Medal; Physician Livancliff Mbianke of Cameroon Receives Rising Star Award
WASHINGTON, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Sabin Vaccine Institute today awarded the Albert B. Sabin Gold Medal to pediatrician Katherine O'Brien, MD, MPH, for her research on the pneumococcal vaccine and leadership in global vaccine research and access, and its Rising Star Award to dedicated physician and public health specialist Livancliff Mbianke, MD, MPH, of Cameroon. The awards were presented at a ceremony in the National Academy of Sciences building in Washington D.C. O'Brien is a pioneering global health leader whose innovative work in vaccine access and policy has transformed immunization programs worldwide. 'I am honored to award the Sabin Gold Medal to Dr. O'Brien for her extensive scientific and humanitarian work, which has significantly contributed to the development, licensure, and global distribution of critical immunizations,' says Amy Finan, Sabin's chief executive officer. 'The breadth and scope of her work — in addition to her leadership in advancing the availability of vaccines for everyone, everywhere — has saved millions of lives around the world.' O'Brien's interest in vaccines and preventable illness began during her early career as a research pediatrician in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where almost a third of children admitted to the hospital she worked at died, often from vaccine-preventable diseases. Returning to the U.S. to pursue her infectious disease fellowship, Master of Public Health, and training as an epidemiologist, she then worked for the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health and led groundbreaking clinical trials on the pneumococcal vaccine to establish the vaccine's performance and impact on both disease and on colonization to achieve both individual and population-level protection. O'Brien was appointed Director of Infectious Disease at the Center and led research on vaccine development and implementation for vaccine-preventable diseases disproportionately affecting Indigenous populations. Her work in large-scale vaccine impact studies and clinical trials has been instrumental in the licensure, introduction and global use of vaccines against pneumococcal disease, rotavirus, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). . O'Brien continued her leadership in vaccine development, access, and research in her position as the Executive Director of the International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC) at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She has served on WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) and on the board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, where she has influenced vaccine financing, policy development, and global immunization strategies. In her current role as Director, Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals for the World Health Organization (WHO), O'Brien leads the global vaccine and immunization strategy. She oversees WHO's work across the vaccine continuum by accelerating new vaccine research and development, advancing vaccine access and equity, introducing new vaccines into country programs, identifying and responding to outbreaks including as WHO's vaccine technical lead during the COVID-19 pandemic, and strengthening immunization program reach in order to maximize the impact of vaccines, even in the most fragile and vulnerable settings. O'Brien earned her medical degree from McGill University and a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. She completed her pediatric and infectious disease training at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions and served as an Epidemic Intelligence Service officer at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 'I am deeply grateful for a career working with incredible people around the world, and through them to have life-saving impact,' says O'Brien. 'Vaccines are truly one of science's greatest achievements. It is immensely fulfilling to work on vaccines all the way from development through licensure and dissemination, and to then see them protect the lives and well-being of families. This award is a huge honor, and a tribute to those who have taught me the value of evidence-based courage.' Sabin's Rising Star Award is intended to encourage and recognize the next generation of vaccine and immunization leaders. Mbianke is a dedicated physician and public health specialist whose work in vaccine access and strengthening health systems has made a profound impact on underserved communities. With expertise in immunization, maternal and child health, and community engagement, Mbianke has played a pivotal role in expanding vaccine coverage and improving health outcomes in Cameroon. 'With his recognized achievements in reducing maternal and child mortality by 50% in remote areas and increasing accessibility of vaccines, Dr. Mbianke is leading innovations around immunization in fragile settings,' says Finan. 'Whether he is delivering vaccines to displaced populations or creating health clinics out of village councils, his creative solutions serve as a model for those working in challenging settings and makes him a Rising Star in global health.' As Program Country Manager for the COMBAT Project (Community-Based Tracking for Immunization) at the International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC), Mbianke leads efforts to enhance immunization delivery by improving community-based monitoring, engagement, and service delivery strategies. He also serves as Technical Advisor for the World Health Organization's 'Big Catch-Up,' a global initiative aimed at restoring vaccine coverage following pandemic-related disruptions. Beyond his advisory roles, Mbianke is the CEO of Empower Women Foundation, where he champions maternal and child health initiatives in Cameroon, advocating for sustainable and locally driven health care solutions. His leadership extends to past roles with WHO, Gavi, USAID, and other global health organizations, where he has contributed to immunization policy formulation and innovative strategies to reach zero-dose and under-immunized children. A graduate of Université de la Montagne Bagante (MD) and Mountain University for Sustainable Studies (MPH), Mbianke combines medical expertise with public health leadership to promote vaccine confidence and equitable access. 'This award is so meaningful,' says Mbianke. 'When you work in settings with such a high burden, sometimes you feel you are not doing enough because you want to improve as many lives as possible. But recognition like the Rising Star award really motivates you. It says you are creating an impact. You are creating a change.' Awarded annually since 1993 and 2020 respectively, the Albert B. Sabin Gold Medal and Rising Star Award honor individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to immunization and global health. These awards commemorate the legacy of the late Dr. Albert B. Sabin, who discovered the oral polio vaccine and dedicated his life to ensuring everyone in the world had access to vaccines. Watch the 2025 Albert B. Sabin Gold Medal and Rising Star ceremony on Sabin's YouTube channel. About the Sabin Vaccine Institute The Sabin Vaccine Institute is a leading advocate for expanding vaccine access and uptake globally, advancing vaccine research and development, and amplifying vaccine knowledge and innovation. Unlocking the potential of vaccines through partnership, Sabin has built a robust ecosystem of funders, innovators, implementers, practitioners, policy makers and public stakeholders to advance its vision of a future free from preventable diseases. As a non-profit with three decades of experience, Sabin is committed to finding solutions that last and extending the full benefits of vaccines to all people, regardless of who they are or where they live. At Sabin, we believe in the power of vaccines to change the world. For more information, visit and follow us on X @SabinVaccine.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Noted Vaccine Researcher and Leader Kate O'Brien Awarded Sabin's Gold Medal; Physician Livancliff Mbianke of Cameroon Receives Rising Star Award
Sabin Vaccine Institute Presents 2025 Albert B. Sabin Gold Medal & Rising Star Awards WASHINGTON, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Sabin Vaccine Institute today awarded the Albert B. Sabin Gold Medal to pediatrician Katherine O'Brien, MD, MPH, for her research on the pneumococcal vaccine and leadership in global vaccine research and access, and its Rising Star Award to dedicated physician and public health specialist Livancliff Mbianke, MD, MPH, of Cameroon. The awards were presented at a ceremony in the National Academy of Sciences building in Washington D.C. O'Brien is a pioneering global health leader whose innovative work in vaccine access and policy has transformed immunization programs worldwide. 'I am honored to award the Sabin Gold Medal to Dr. O'Brien for her extensive scientific and humanitarian work, which has significantly contributed to the development, licensure, and global distribution of critical immunizations,' says Amy Finan, Sabin's chief executive officer. 'The breadth and scope of her work — in addition to her leadership in advancing the availability of vaccines for everyone, everywhere — has saved millions of lives around the world.' O'Brien's interest in vaccines and preventable illness began during her early career as a research pediatrician in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where almost a third of children admitted to the hospital she worked at died, often from vaccine-preventable diseases. Returning to the U.S. to pursue her infectious disease fellowship, Master of Public Health, and training as an epidemiologist, she then worked for the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health and led groundbreaking clinical trials on the pneumococcal vaccine to establish the vaccine's performance and impact on both disease and on colonization to achieve both individual and population-level protection. O'Brien was appointed Director of Infectious Disease at the Center and led research on vaccine development and implementation for vaccine-preventable diseases disproportionately affecting Indigenous populations. Her work in large-scale vaccine impact studies and clinical trials has been instrumental in the licensure, introduction and global use of vaccines against pneumococcal disease, rotavirus, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)..O'Brien continued her leadership in vaccine development, access, and research in her position as the Executive Director of the International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC) at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She has served on WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) and on the board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, where she has influenced vaccine financing, policy development, and global immunization strategies. In her current role as Director, Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals for the World Health Organization (WHO), O'Brien leads the global vaccine and immunization strategy. She oversees WHO's work across the vaccine continuum by accelerating new vaccine research and development, advancing vaccine access and equity, introducing new vaccines into country programs, identifying and responding to outbreaks including as WHO's vaccine technical lead during the COVID-19 pandemic, and strengthening immunization program reach in order to maximize the impact of vaccines, even in the most fragile and vulnerable settings. O'Brien earned her medical degree from McGill University and a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. She completed her pediatric and infectious disease training at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions and served as an Epidemic Intelligence Service officer at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 'I am deeply grateful for a career working with incredible people around the world, and through them to have life-saving impact,' says O'Brien. 'Vaccines are truly one of science's greatest achievements. It is immensely fulfilling to work on vaccines all the way from development through licensure and dissemination, and to then see them protect the lives and well-being of families. This award is a huge honor, and a tribute to those who have taught me the value of evidence-based courage.' Sabin's Rising Star Award is intended to encourage and recognize the next generation of vaccine and immunization leaders. Mbianke is a dedicated physician and public health specialist whose work in vaccine access and strengthening health systems has made a profound impact on underserved communities. With expertise in immunization, maternal and child health, and community engagement, Mbianke has played a pivotal role in expanding vaccine coverage and improving health outcomes in Cameroon. 'With his recognized achievements in reducing maternal and child mortality by 50% in remote areas and increasing accessibility of vaccines, Dr. Mbianke is leading innovations around immunization in fragile settings,' says Finan. 'Whether he is delivering vaccines to displaced populations or creating health clinics out of village councils, his creative solutions serve as a model for those working in challenging settings and makes him a Rising Star in global health.' As Program Country Manager for the COMBAT Project (Community-Based Tracking for Immunization) at the International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC), Mbianke leads efforts to enhance immunization delivery by improving community-based monitoring, engagement, and service delivery strategies. He also serves as Technical Advisor for the World Health Organization's 'Big Catch-Up,' a global initiative aimed at restoring vaccine coverage following pandemic-related disruptions. Beyond his advisory roles, Mbianke is the CEO of Empower Women Foundation, where he champions maternal and child health initiatives in Cameroon, advocating for sustainable and locally driven health care solutions. His leadership extends to past roles with WHO, Gavi, USAID, and other global health organizations, where he has contributed to immunization policy formulation and innovative strategies to reach zero-dose and under-immunized children. A graduate of Université de la Montagne Bagante (MD) and Mountain University for Sustainable Studies (MPH), Mbianke combines medical expertise with public health leadership to promote vaccine confidence and equitable access. 'This award is so meaningful,' says Mbianke. 'When you work in settings with such a high burden, sometimes you feel you are not doing enough because you want to improve as many lives as possible. But recognition like the Rising Star award really motivates you. It says you are creating an impact. You are creating a change.' Awarded annually since 1993 and 2020 respectively, the Albert B. Sabin Gold Medal and Rising Star Award honor individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to immunization and global health. These awards commemorate the legacy of the late Dr. Albert B. Sabin, who discovered the oral polio vaccine and dedicated his life to ensuring everyone in the world had access to vaccines. Watch the 2025 Albert B. Sabin Gold Medal and Rising Star ceremony on Sabin's YouTube channel. About the Sabin Vaccine Institute The Sabin Vaccine Institute is a leading advocate for expanding vaccine access and uptake globally, advancing vaccine research and development, and amplifying vaccine knowledge and innovation. Unlocking the potential of vaccines through partnership, Sabin has built a robust ecosystem of funders, innovators, implementers, practitioners, policy makers and public stakeholders to advance its vision of a future free from preventable diseases. As a non-profit with three decades of experience, Sabin is committed to finding solutions that last and extending the full benefits of vaccines to all people, regardless of who they are or where they live. At Sabin, we believe in the power of vaccines to change the world. For more information, visit and follow us on X @SabinVaccine. Media Contact: Monika Guttman Senior Media Relations SpecialistSabin Vaccine Institute+1 (202) 621-1691press@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
