Former president Mrs Mary Robinson has helped launch a massive vaccine scheme that could save millions of lives from killer diseases.
The board of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (Gavi), which includes Mrs Robinson, approved the plan to tackle epidemics in poor countries caused by meningitis, cholera, typhoid and rabies.
Gavi, which is an alliance of global health agencies, governments and individuals, claims it has increased access to immunisation for 176 million children and saved 2.9 million lives since 2000.
Mrs Robinson, who served as president from 1990 to 1997, is also a former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Gavi said the new vaccine strategy would attack some of the world's major killers and help provide good health to vulnerable people.
"Delivery of these vaccines to the world's poorest countries will save millions of lives and prevent unnecessary illness," a spokesman added.
Gavi already provides vaccines against hepatitis B, yellow fever, rotavirus and pneumococcal disease.
New vaccine technologies have given fresh hope for global immunisation efforts in recent years.
Gavi also includes representatives of developing country and donor governments, the World Health Organisation, Unicef and the World Bank.
PA