At the launch of BRICS Vaccine R&D Centre and Workshop on Vaccine Cooperation through video conference, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare said “Given India has one of the world’s largest vaccine manufacturing industries which supplies vaccines to more than 150 countries and meets 65-70% of WHO’s vaccine requirements, India is willing to offer its robust vaccine manufacturing industry for developing vaccines for BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries as well as the world.”
Further, he added, “The centre will be instrumental in streamlining vaccination resources and facilitate equitable access to safe and efficacious COVID-19 vaccines”.
The Union Health Minister highlighted that the “BRICS Vaccine R&D Centre is a welcome initiative to collaborate with countries, share experiences, build collaborations for mutual benefits and accelerate the development of vaccine of public health importance. This will enable saving lives and livelihood to propel us towards economic recovery for the citizens of BRICS countries and the world.”
The meeting was chaired by Mr Wang Zhigang, Minister of Science and Technology, People’s Republic of China. Zhigang has asked the countries to lay emphasis on promoting fair and equitable distribution of vaccines and work together through this centre and other such initiatives. Mr Marcelo Queiroga (Health Minister, Brazil), Mr Mikhail Murashko (Health Minister, Russia), Dr Blade Nzimande (Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, South Africa), delegates, senior representatives and research experts from BRICS countries had attended the event.
