Pakistan relies heavily on imported vaccines, primarily managing small-scale operations at the National Institute of Health in Islamabad. Public-health experts emphasize that this dependence results in a significant annual import bill exceeding $250 million, leaving the country vulnerable to global supply disruptions. A high-level meeting chaired by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan has initiated a draft National Vaccine Policy aimed at boosting local vaccine manufacturing to enhance health security and economic independence. The policy seeks to build biotechnology and pharmaceutical capabilities, reduce import reliance, and improve rapid response to future pandemics. Additionally, a proposed Pakistan Vaccine Manufacturers Alliance aims to streamline efforts between public and private sectors, with the goal of meeting WHO standards and potentially positioning Pakistan as a regional vaccine supplier in South Asia.

Original Link: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2619970/amp