Minister stresses local production of vaccines

LAHORE: Federal Minister for Food Security and Research Prof Kauser Abdullah Malik has said that the upcoming government must promote local production of vaccines for humans, animals and birds to strengthen the economy and health sector. He said that more research work is also necessary to develop indigenous vaccines for treatment of infectious diseases in Pakistan.

He was addressing the inaugural ceremony of two-day International Conference on ‘Current Trends, Prospects & Opportunities in Vaccine Research 2024’ organised by Punjab University Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB) at Sheikh Riazuddin Auditorium here on Wednesday.

PU VC Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood, UHS VC Prof Ahsan Waheed Rathore, CEMB Director Prof Moazur Rahman, renowned scientist Prof Dr Sheikh Riazuddin, scientists and researchers were present on this occasion.

In his address, the federal minister said that during the 2005 earthquake, the neighbouring country refused to give the tetanus vaccine. He said that have we ever thought that what will happen if the vaccine stops coming from outside? He said that the government should give buyback guarantee to purchase vaccines like IPPs. He said that the imported vaccines are not guaranteed to be more effective as these were not tested on local genes.

He said that poultry industry is the second largest industry in Pakistan which needs to be protected by biosafety rules so that the disease affecting the poultry industry could be controlled. He said that the ban on soybeans proved to be a blow to the poultry industry and we are ensuring implementation of biosafety regulations regarding soybean to deal with the problem.

He said that 80 percent of the vaccines are still being imported in the country but on the other hand, a large-scale production of vaccines is possible at the local level with the support of the government and private sector. He said that there are difficulties related to the approval of the vaccine by the regulators and this process should be streamlined.

PU VC Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood said that biotechnologists in Pakistan are introducing inventions and innovations in the field of agriculture and health. He said that different types of vaccines have become important for the health of humans, animals and birds.

Prof Dr Ahsan Waheed said that it is necessary to provide all the facilities for vaccine research. He said that scientists should give suggestions regarding the preparation of vaccines for humans and animals in the country.

Prof Dr Riazuddin said that he always promoted the research that would contribute to the strengthening of the country's economy.

Dr Moazur Rehman said that Pakistan is importing all types of vaccines related to human health. He said that some vaccines for chickens and other animals are also being developed in Pakistan. He said that the vaccine industry is a multi-trillion dollar industry. 12 international researchers and a 7-member Chinese delegation from industry and academia is also participating in the conference, he informed.