New Delhi, June 3 (Mayank Nigam) Union Health Minister Dr Mansukha L Mandaviya on Saturday said that global vaccine research collaborations are much needed for vaccine access to all. Addressing virtually the “Global Vaccine Research Collaborative Discussions”, a co-branded event of G20 on the occasion of the three-day 3rd Health Working Group Meeting scheduled to be held here from Sunday, Dr Mandaviya said the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the importance of global collaboration in vaccine research and development. As we continue to navigate this once-in-a-century public health crisis, we realize the importance of research to accelerate vaccine development, particularly for emerging pathogens.
He stated that “International cooperation is essential to advance vaccine development for emerging pathogens, and the G20 can serve as a vital platform to facilitate collaboration between governments, research organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and other stakeholders.” Highlighting India’s leadership in vaccine R&D for several decades, with experience in developing, producing, and distributing vaccines for diseases such as polio, smallpox, and measles, the Union Minister said that India, as a leading player in vaccine production and distribution, can play a critical role in building greater global collaboration towards this goal. “The development and deployment of effective vaccines can help to mitigate the impact of pandemics, and we must prioritize research efforts to achieve this objective”, he said. Elaborating on India’s initiatives to boost vaccine production and distribution, Mandaviya stated that “the government has provided financial incentives and streamlined regulatory processes to encourage vaccine manufacturers to increase their production capacity. It has also taken steps to ensure the availability of vaccines in rural areas by leveraging the existing infrastructure of primary health centers and other healthcare facilities”, he added.