Vaccine security and self-reliance in South East Asia

Vaccine Insights 2024; 3(2), 35–42

DOI: 10.18609/vac.2024.008

Published: 5 March
Commentary
Tuck Seng Wong, Kiat Ruxrungtham

Vaccine security and self-reliance must be a priority for all nations if they are to escape the worst health and economic impacts of future pandemics. For low- and middle-income countries, this is best achieved with a wider regional approach. Existing geopolitical and economic alliances and a strong baseline of biopharmaceutical manufacturing mean that South East Asia is well-positioned to become a global leader in vaccine production. The newly launched UK-South East Asia Vaccine Manufacturing Research Hub will support this ambition by addressing key priorities including technology transfer, IP, standardization, and supply chain.