BANGKOK
Under the auspices of the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute (QSMI) of the Thai Red Cross Society and BioNet-Asia, the 16th Annual General Meeting of the Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers Network (DCVMN) kicked off this week in Bangkok, Thailand.
Mr. Phan Wannamethee, Secretary General of the Thai Red Cross Society, opened the conference by reminding that “The DCVMN’s ultimate goal is in harmony with the philosophy of the Thai Red Cross Society in the relief of disasters, promotion of welfare, and elimination of diseases.” He then “commended members of DCVMN for their efforts to reach the common goal of protecting people against infectious diseases with better vaccines for a better quality of life.”
The conference includes key lectures and sessions with organizations like UNICEF, PAHO, VPPAG and IAIM. Dr. Jean-Marie Okwo-Bele, Director of WHO‘s Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals presented the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP) and fascinating data on the progresses achieved, as well as the gaps and challenges ahead to attain these goals. Dr. Okwo-Bele explained how WHO helps accelerate research that will lead to vaccine licensure and vaccine policy and indicated that: “WHO convenes the best experts in the world to look at vaccines that are available, and to look at the evidence around those vaccines so we can understand how these vaccines can be used in developing countries”.
Several other key organizations such as CHAI, PATH and BMGF are also well represented at the conference. Dr. Peter Khoury, Senior Program Officer, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation indicated that: “The Gates Foundation supports research and development of vaccines particularly in developing countries, and it supports access to vaccines against preventable diseases for people in the poorest parts of the world. The basis for this belief is that all people deserve the chance to lead a healthy, productive life which is supported by DCVM’s supplying of high quality, low cost vaccines“.
About DCVMN
DCVMN is an international alliance of manufacturers aiming to protect people against known and emerging infectious diseases globally by increasing the availability and enhancing the quality of vaccines produced in emerging countries. www.dcvmn.org
About QSMI
The Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute of the Thai Red Cross Society is an institute producing BCG vaccine, equine Rabies Immunoglobulins and snake antivenoms. QSMI is also a World Health Organization Collaborating Center for research on Rabies and venomous snakes. www.saovabha.com
About BioNet
BioNet-Asia is a clinical-stage biotech company with a focus on technological innovation and global market access. The company is building up global partnerships, leading to the production of billions of doses of vaccines worldwide. www.bionet-asia.com
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20151006007023/en/
CONTACT
BioNet-Asia Co., Ltd.
Mr. Supachai Nampornchaisakul, +66 2361 8110
info@bionet-asia.com
www.bionet-asia.com
