As the world has largely turned away from widespread concerns over COVID – that’s something that’s never really going to go away – it’s also time to focus on the new vaccines that could help some people around the world. Even numbers can change people’s lives. Serum Institute of India (SII) is the global leader in manufacturing vaccines.
Its CEO Adar Poonawala spoke to NDTV on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos on a number of issues, including vaccines against malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases.
“I just want to say that I really hate mosquitoes. They kill more humans than any other animal on the planet, with all the mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, malaria. So it Keeping that in mind, post-Covid Mr Poonawalla told NDTV, “I have focused my capital expenditure and partnerships with various companies to make vaccines for malaria, dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. Have done.”
The Pune-based company’s malaria vaccine has already been deployed in Africa. “Its efficacy is 77 percent, which is very good,” he said.
“The malaria vaccine is already starting to protect children in Africa. Right now with the Gavi replenishment, where they need to raise billions of dollars for different vaccine programs in Africa, to get that kind of vaccine coverage It is challenging to get enough funding to increase the volume of distribution and procurement,” Mr Poonawalla said, referring to the vaccine alliance Gavi, which works to increase equitable and sustainable access to vaccines globally.
Asked whether cost was an issue, Mr Poonawalla said this was an area where the Indian company had played a huge role.
“This malaria vaccine was being offered by other manufacturers in the West for $10, $8 to $10. We brought that price down to $4,” he told NDTV. “So that’s a cut of over 50 percent, just for the purpose of providing more access to more kids who can afford it now, with the budget constraints and all that other stuff.”
Concern over not getting American funding
Mr Poonawalla expressed concern over the withdrawal of US funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) by new US President Donald Trump and highlighted the importance of multilateral institutions like WHO in maintaining global standards for medicines.
“I hope this is only temporary and they will reconsider because multilateral organizations like WHO play a very important role in maintaining global standards for medicines and vaccines,” Mr Poonawalla said.
Even with US funding for WHO, other countries can work together to bridge the gap which is “not a very large amount of money”.
“We are calling on leaders here (Davos) and others to step up to close that gap; $500 million is not a large sum in the grand scheme of things for others to contribute and contribute. I’m sure WHO “There are already plans in place to ensure that all their critical programs such as pre-qualifying vaccines and approving them and maintaining standards of vaccines and other medicines are not affected,” Mr Poonawalla said. does his These are very important aspects because all these other countries follow their own quality standards and recommendations.”
He said that if the funding gap is not addressed, there may be some impact on vaccine and pharmaceutical companies. “I’m sure WHO will focus on its key areas and priorities so that nothing gets left behind. It’s early days to say anything, but I don’t see any major impact yet.”
vaccines in the pipeline
Mr Poonawalla said the malaria vaccine works on Falciparum, a species of parasite Plasmodium that causes malaria and is found in Africa. Vivax is another species of parasite that is prevalent in India, but there is no vaccine for it at the moment, he said, adding that with some technological advancements a vaccine could be developed in a few years.
“Meanwhile, we are going to make a vaccine for chikungunya in a year and a half, which is again a serious issue in India. And with climate change, we have seen a huge increase in all these mosquito-borne viruses because when this part of the world When construction work is going on, you have these water bodies that become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, you have climate change, where even a difference of a few degrees can increase the breeding of certain species of these mosquitoes, “Mr. Poonawala Told NDTV.
He said a dengue vaccine would arrive in a little more than two years; This will be a one-shot vaccine, and will not require multiple doses.
“There are not many manufacturers that make these vaccines because they are usually all sold at very low prices. So it is not commercially interesting for most pharmaceutical companies to make these vaccines. This is where we and the Serum Institute are very important.” Play a role.” ” Mr Poonawala said.
The five-day meeting that began on Monday in Davos is exploring ways to restart growth, harness new technologies and strengthen social and economic resilience, according to the World Economic Forum. Nearly 3,000 leaders from more than 130 countries are participating in the global meeting, including 350 government leaders.
India’s participation in Davos aims to strengthen partnerships, attract investments and position the country as a global leader in sustainable development and technological innovation. India sent five Union Ministers, three Chief Ministers and ministers from several other states to the WEF this time.
