Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has proposed the establishment of an OIC Vaccine Alliance comprising Islamic countries, saying that vaccine production holds extraordinary importance for the entire health sector and that Islamic countries must adopt a joint strategy in this regard.
Addressing the fourth meeting of the OIC Vaccine Manufacturers Group, Mustafa Kamal said that Pakistan is a country of 240 million people with an annual population increase of more than six million, and in such a situation, local vaccine production is a major challenge.
He said that Pakistan has set a target to end vaccine imports and external dependence by 2030, but instead of waiting for 2030, the country must immediately enhance its capacity and vaccine manufacturing capabilities.
The federal health minister said that Pakistan does not lack infrastructure and has strong institutions such as the National Institute of Health, however vaccine manufacturing or trading is not a profitable business, which is why a strong and reliable partner is needed.
He said that Pakistan is seeking cooperation with countries such as China, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, while Saudi Arabia has been engaged in the vaccine manufacturing process for the past 10 years.
Mustafa Kamal stated that Pakistan has prepared its first national vaccine policy, under which one company will be allowed to produce only one vaccine in order to improve quality.
He emphasized that Islamic countries should benefit from each other’s experiences and that work on the OIC Vaccine Alliance will begin today on short term, medium term and long term bases.
The federal health minister revealed that during recent Pakistan India tensions, it was discovered that due to vaccine shortages, the global organization Gavi was purchasing vaccines from India and supplying them to Pakistan, after which a decision was made for permanent planning.
The federal health minister said that a healthy environment, a healthy nation and economic stability are directly linked to national security, therefore self sufficiency in vaccines is essential.
