NVI and Partners Take Major Step Toward ASEAN Vaccine Security

National Vaccine Institute (NVI) collaborates with global partners to strengthen vaccine security and develop ASEAN’s vaccine workforce for future health preparedness.

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National Vaccine Institute (NVI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand and the ASEAN Secretariat, organised the ASEAN Meeting on Vaccine Security and Self-Reliance (AVSSR) in Bangkok. The event brought together ASEAN member countries and global development partners to share vaccine knowledge and strengthen regional cooperation to prepare for future health threats. The meeting is part of the ASEAN Vaccine Security and Self-Reliance Strategic and Action Plan (2021-2025), which aims to build a robust vaccine network across the region. Additionally, NVI, in partnership with the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), hosted the first ASEAN Vaccine Personnel Training programme, with support from the World Bank.

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The AVSSR meeting, themed “Strengthening Vaccine Security Through Collaboration and Establishing the AVSSR Steering Committee,” focused on strengthening collaboration among ASEAN member countries and development partners, providing a forum for ASEAN member countries to share their vaccine-related challenges and advancements, and contributing to the formation of the AVSSR Steering Committee. International attendees included senior ASEAN public health officers, representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC), the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), the World Bank, the Global Council, and experts from the Regionalised Vaccine Manufacturing Collaborative (RVMC) and Duke-NUS Medical School.

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The event was graced by H.E. Mr. Ekkaphab Phanthavong, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community ; Dr. Opart Karnkawinpong, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand; and Dr. Nakorn Premsri, Director of NVI. The hybrid meeting attracted over 70 participants. To further support vaccine security and self-reliance in the region, NVI and IVI launched the first AVSSR Vaccine Human Resource Development Programme on 26-27 September 2024 in Bangkok. Supported by the World Bank, this programme aims to enhance vaccine development and deployment capacities across ASEAN.

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The training attracted over 100 participants from both the public and private sectors, covering essential topics such as vaccine technology transfer, international standards for vaccine registration, and strategies for addressing vaccine hesitancy.

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Dr. Nakorn Premsri highlighted NVI’s regional role, stating: “NVI has fostered collaborations with international networks across the public and private sectors to strengthen national and regional vaccine capacity. The 8th ASEAN Meeting on AVSSR, conducted in partnership with ASEAN member countries, reflects significant progress and development. These activities aim to maximise mutual benefits by extending the implementation of the AVSSR Strategic and Action Plan. Human resource development is key to ensuring sustainable vaccine capabilities. I am confident that, through cooperation, ASEAN is poised to achieve vaccine self-reliance, ensuring the long-term security of our healthcare systems.”