The National Vaccine Institute (NVI), in collaboration with Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health and the ASEAN Secretariat, recently hosted a pivotal event: the ASEAN Meeting on Vaccine Security and Self-Reliance (AVSSR) in the vibrant city of Bangkok. This significant gathering united representatives from ASEAN member countries and global development partners to exchange invaluable vaccine expertise and fortify regional cooperation against looming health threats. This meeting falls under the ASEAN Vaccine Security and Self-Reliance Strategic and Action Plan (2021-2025), a blueprint designed to cultivate a resilient vaccine network across Southeast Asia. In tandem, NVI, alongside the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) and with backing from the World Bank, inaugurated the maiden ASEAN Vaccine Personnel Training program.
With the compelling theme “Strengthening Vaccine Security Through Collaboration and Establishing the AVSSR Steering Committee,” the AVSSR meeting emphasized reinforcing partnerships among ASEAN nations and development allies. It offered an essential platform for discussing vaccine-related hurdles and breakthroughs, while also laying the groundwork for the future-oriented AVSSR Steering Committee. Distinguished international attendees comprised senior public health officials from ASEAN, representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC), World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), International Vaccine Institute (IVI), World Bank, Global Council, and experts from the Regionalised Vaccine Manufacturing Collaborative (RVMC) and Duke-NUS Medical School.
The event saw the esteemed presence of H.E. Mr. Ekkaphab Phanthavong, the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community; Dr. Opart Karnkawinpong, Permanent Secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health; and Dr. Nakorn Premsri, Director of NVI. This hybrid meeting drew over 70 participants, seamlessly integrating both in-person and virtual attendees.
Further bolstering endeavors toward vaccine security and independence in the region, NVI and IVI unveiled the first AVSSR Vaccine Human Resource Development Programme on September 26-27, 2024, hosted in the bustling metropolis of Bangkok. Funded by the World Bank, this programme aims to elevate the capabilities for vaccine development and deployment throughout ASEAN.
Drawing over 100 participants from both public and private sectors, the training covered pivotal subjects such as vaccine technology transfer, international standards for vaccine registration, and strategies to combat vaccine hesitancy. This comprehensive training underpins the regional strategy to develop a robust skill set essential for assuring vaccine security.
Dr. Nakorn Premsri underscored NVI’s pivotal regional role, expressing, “NVI has forged collaborations with international networks across both public and private sectors to amplify national and regional vaccine capacities. The 8th ASEAN Meeting on AVSSR, in partnership with ASEAN member countries, signifies a milestone of progress and development. These initiatives aim to maximize mutual benefits by faithfully executing the AVSSR Strategic and Action Plan. Human resource development is indispensable for sustaining vaccine competencies. I am optimistic that, through joint efforts, ASEAN is well-positioned to attain vaccine self-reliance, guaranteeing the enduring security of our healthcare systems.”
The collaborative energy witnessed at the AVSSR meeting and the subsequent training programme epitomizes a committed stride towards a future where vaccine security is not just an ambition but a realized assurance. A unified ASEAN stands poised to emerge stronger, fortified against health challenges, and better equipped to safeguard its people’s health and well-being.
It’s great to see ASEAN taking steps toward vaccine security, but what’s the point if individual countries still struggle with basic healthcare issues?
True, basic healthcare needs improvement, but regional vaccine security is a step in the right direction toward overall health resilience.
I get that, but shouldn’t they fix the basics first? It feels like putting the cart before the horse.
Investing in vaccines actually helps solve basic healthcare issues by preventing diseases!
Balancing immediate healthcare needs with long-term investments like vaccines is tricky. But isn’t it worth the effort to protect future generations?
I can’t understand why there’s so much emphasis on vaccine self-reliance. Why not just rely on established manufacturers?
Self-reliance helps reduce dependency and can speed up responses to health crises. Remember the delays with COVID-19 vaccines?
Reliance on a few manufacturers creates vulnerabilities. ASEAN’s strategy could create more global stability.
Fair points, but isn’t it rather expensive and time-consuming to set up this infrastructure?
Human resource development is crucial. Without skilled personnel, all the fancy equipment and plans are useless.
Absolutely. Training programs are essential for ensuring we have the people to make these initiatives successful.
But will these programs really provide the level of expertise needed? There’s always a gap between ideal and reality.
True, but starting somewhere is better than not starting at all. Continuous improvement will bridge these gaps.
Vaccine hesitancy is a huge issue. No matter how many vaccines we have, if people don’t trust them, it’s all for nothing.
That’s why the training programs include strategies to combat hesitancy. Education and transparency are key.
Social media misinformation is a significant barrier. Authorities need to aggressively tackle this to boost uptake.
Exactly. Campaigns should focus on building trust and dispelling myths. It’s a long road, but necessary.
Why is the World Bank funding this? Shouldn’t the focus be on economic development?
Health security is a part of economic stability. A healthy workforce drives economic growth.
Plus, preventing health crises can save billions in the long run. It’s a wise investment.
I see the logic, but wouldn’t targeted development projects have a more immediate impact?
The hybrid model of the meeting is interesting. It shows how flexible and inclusive our approaches can become even post-pandemic.
Hybrid models can also make participation more equitable by reducing travel costs and accessibility barriers.
Exactly. Plus, it keeps the event eco-friendly by limiting unnecessary travel.
Is this just another big talk with no concrete results? I’ve seen many summits, but little real-world change.
Cynicism is understandable, but progress takes time. These meetings lay the groundwork for future advancements.
Let’s hope this isn’t another series of empty promises. Time will tell if it’s different.
Past failures don’t guarantee future ones. Each effort learns from the previous. Let’s stay hopeful.
Dr. Nakorn Premsri’s optimism is refreshing. Leadership with vision is what we need in times like these.
International cooperation is crucial, but we shouldn’t ignore the national contexts and specific needs of each country.
So is ASEAN actually going to become self-reliant in vaccines, or is this another pipe dream?
It’s ambitious, but not impossible. ASEAN has come a long way in other areas; this is the next step.
I agree it’s the next step, but will the political will and funding be sustained?
I’m excited about the technology transfer discussed at the training. This could be a game-changer for local vaccine production.
Indeed, local production of vaccines can accelerate rollouts and ensure more equitable access.
Why don’t they focus more on alternative medicine and preventive care instead of just vaccines?
Good to hear steps are being taken toward vaccine security and self-reliance. It’s about time!
Can all these plans really work without proper funding and international support?
Vaccines are crucial, but we must also address other social determinants of health to make a lasting impact.
Interesting to see the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations involved. Their work is vital for swift responses.
Excited about the potential outcomes, but I’ve seen many initiatives like this fizzle out. Let’s hope this one sticks.
Why focus so much on vaccines? What about basic hygiene education and clean water?