New Delhi: In a significant stride towards global health, the Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer, is broadening its manufacturing capabilities to introduce new vaccines targeting diseases like malaria and dengue in the coming years.
CEO Adar Poonawalla announced that the company has repurposed its manufacturing facilities previously used for COVID-19 vaccines to produce shots against malaria and dengue. This strategic shift is expected to increase total vaccine production by an impressive two and a half billion doses.
Having played a pivotal role in combating the COVID-19 pandemic by manufacturing AstraZeneca’s Covishield and Novavax’s protein-based COVID shots, Serum Institute made significant investments amounting to $2 billion during the peak of the crisis to enhance production capacity.
Currently producing approximately 1.5 billion vaccine doses annually, Serum Institute aims to further expand its capacity to a total of 4 billion doses. This increased production capacity not only strengthens the global vaccine supply chain but also positions India to respond swiftly to any future pandemics.
Poonawalla highlighted the importance of Serum Institute’s capacity to swiftly vaccinate the entire population of India within three to four months in the event of a future pandemic, underscoring the company’s commitment to global health security.
Furthermore, Serum Institute is actively engaging with other countries and governments to leverage its manufacturing facilities in response to future outbreaks, showcasing its dedication to international cooperation and solidarity in addressing health crises.
Serum Institute’s focus on combating deadly diseases like malaria and dengue is a testament to its mission to improve global public health. With the production of 100 million doses of its malaria vaccine already underway and plans for scaling up production, Serum Institute is poised to make a significant impact in the fight against these diseases, particularly in regions like sub-Saharan Africa where malaria remains a significant threat.
Moreover, the development of a single-dose dengue vaccine, along with ongoing trials, represents a promising step towards combating another mosquito-borne disease that affects millions worldwide.
Read more: Health Card Hospitals Across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Full List Released
Through its continued efforts and commitment to innovation, Serum Institute of India is not only expanding its vaccine portfolio but also reinforcing its position as a global leader in vaccine manufacturing and public health initiatives.