You can now look up vaccine prices in UNICEF's website, the Children's arm of the United Nations announced today. UNICEF is the largest buyer of pediatric vaccines worldwide.

Shanelle Hall, Director of Supply Division, UNICEF, said:

"Transparency is a core principle in itself and will support governments and partners in making more informed decisions. Transparency will also help foster a competitive, diverse supplier base for global public goods."

Vaccine pricing is a multi-dimensional strategy, UNICEF explained, in which affordability and availability play key roles. In order to achieve the lowest costs, supply and demand-side factors and risks must be addressed. UNICEF says that price transparency is also an important factor in widening the reach of vaccine availability for children worldwide.

Helen Evans, Interim CEO of the GAVI Alliance, said:

"As the main funder of vaccines procured by UNICEF, the GAVI Alliance strongly believes in timely, transparent and accurate information on pricing. Transparency of pricing enhances partners and countries' understanding of market dynamics, leading to better visibility of how their financial commitments translate into the number of children vaccinated and lives saved. The GAVI Alliance is committed to ensure that the right vaccines are available in the right quantities and at affordable prices so we can save more lives with the resources available."

Shanelle Hall added:

"Improved transparency on pricing is coming at a critical time, especially as vaccines against pneumonia and diarrhoea are being made available. The approach will soon be extended to other vaccine market dynamic factors, and other health products that are essential to child survival."

Here are the prices UNICEF contracted with its vaccine suppliers (click on each link): bcg Dt DTP DTP-HepB DTP-HepB-Hib DTP-Hib HepB Measles Meningitis MMR MR OPV PCV Td TT Yellow Fever