Vaccine development requires global cooperation: Mandaviya 2023
In his virtual address to the Global Vaccine Research Collaborative discussion on Saturday, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized the significance of international collaboration in vaccine research and development.
The discussion, entitled “Vaccine Research and Development: Building Consensus for Future Health Emergencies Prevention, Preparedness, and Response,” was a joint initiative under India’s G20 Presidency. It was arranged in Hyderabad by the Government of India’s Department of Pharmaceuticals.
Mandaviya emphasized the importance of research in accelerating the development of vaccines, particularly for emergent pathogens during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. He underscored the imperative for global health community cooperation to fortify efforts in pandemic preparedness.
Mandaviya emphasized India’s expertise in developing, manufacturing, and disseminating vaccines for diseases such as polio, smallpox, and measles while acknowledging India’s long-standing leadership in vaccine research and development.
Global Vaccine Research Collaborative to advance vaccine research for emerging infections in her address.
The health minister elaborated on India’s efforts to increase vaccine production and distribution by stating, “The government has provided financial incentives and streamlined regulatory processes to encourage vaccine manufacturers to increase their production capacity.”
It has also taken measures to ensure the availability of vaccines in rural areas by utilizing primary health centers and other healthcare facilities.
Mandaviya stated, reiterating India’s commitment to advancing health priorities such as pandemic preparedness, access to medicines and vaccines, and universal health coverage,
“We must leverage India’s experience in these fields and accelerate vaccine development, especially for emerging and pandemic-potential pathogens.”
Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan highlighted India’s historical position as a global leader in generics and biosimilars, with major Indian vaccine manufacturers contributing more than fifty percent of the world’s vaccine supply.
The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the pressing need to reduce vaccine production time from decades to less than one year.
The Global Vaccine Research Collaborative seeks to leverage the knowledge and resources of diverse stakeholders to accelerate vaccine development and reduce the impact of future pandemics.
The event provided a forum for global leaders to discuss strategies, share best practices, and promote collaboration in vaccine research and development.
