Overview
- The 4th OIC Vaccine Manufacturers Group meeting in Islamabad heard Pakistan’s proposal for an OIC Vaccine Alliance to coordinate joint production, technology sharing, and a phased roadmap, with conclusions expected to include formal recommendations.
- Pakistan announced its first National Vaccine Policy featuring a one-company, one-vaccine rule and set a goal to end vaccine import dependence by 2030 while pushing immediate capacity expansion.
- State Minister Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Malik detailed plans for a National Vaccine Fund and a National Vaccine Alliance and said the Asian Development Bank has conditionally offered up to $250 million in soft financing for viable projects.
- Officials emphasized regulatory upgrades toward WHO Maturity Level 3, pursuit of WHO prequalification, and SESRIC-led capacity mapping to guide investment and collaboration across member states.
- Pakistan currently relies on imports for 13 routine vaccines with roughly half of costs covered by donors including Gavi, and it is pursuing partnerships with China, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia to establish domestic manufacturing.