NVI doubles down on self-reliance regional vaccine manufacture moves
National Vaccine Institute (NVI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and the ASEAN Secretariat organised the ASEAN Vaccine Network Consultation Meeting on Regional Vaccine Manufacturing Development during September 14-15, 2022, to exchange vaccine knowledge between ASEAN member states and global development partners. The meeting was in preparation for future health threats through the building of strong vaccine networks, vaccine capacity building, HRD and expanding cooperation in mutual research and development of effective vaccines that can meet the demands of ASEAN countries during both normal and emergency situations.
Dr. Nakorn Premsri, NVI Director, said, “The meeting was concluded successfully, reaching its objectives and covering all perspectives from regional to global. International attendees included those from ASEAN member states, Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers Network (DCVMM), World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC), International Vaccine Institute (IVI), Embassy of The People’s Republic of China in the Kingdom of Thailand and the ASEAN China Cooperation Fund Management Team representatives who supported the meeting under the ASEAN-China framework. In addition to online participation, the onsite meeting attracted over 70 participants and more than 120 participants virtually.
The meeting highlighted the ASEAN strategic and action plans for the region’s vaccine security during 2021-2025, comprising 5 main strategies. Firstly, bringing AVSSR into the global policy level, secondly, development of regional vaccine pooled procurement mechanism, thirdly, establishing a vaccine information centre or ASEAN Vaccine Dashboard. Strategy four is developing human resources training program and lastly, developing an efficient vaccine management system to achieve sustainable vaccine security and self-reliance. ASEAN relies on the framework of working with China, Korea, Japan and the European Union as well as a network of various global agencies.
”Overall, the participants were interested in the development of human resources and regional vaccine infrastructure as well as the establishment of government cooperation for access to vaccines,” said Dr. Nakorn.
“Meanwhile, ASEAN member states proposed that the meeting consider reviewing the regulatory readiness of each member country, such as urgent approval of vaccines in emergencies, exchanges of information, access to technology transfer and government support. It was also suggested to establish a regional advisory committee to monitor progress, and explore the potential of each country and opportunities and challenges for development in order to foster cooperation among all sectors to support long-term vaccine security goals.”
Reference: bangkokpost.com
