India beats China at its own game in vaccine diplomacy battle | Mint
A symphony of precision cameras meticulously monitors a machine akin to a well-oiled engine, filling vial after vial with an automated rhythm. Clad in protective gear, workers stand sentinel, ready to intervene if the mechanical choreography falters. This bustling site in Pune, India, operates at full tilt, churning out 400 vials per minute with flawless precision.
From this sprawling complex, vaccines traverse the globe, from the heart of British cities to the depths of Brazil’s rainforests. The Serum Institute of India (SII) stands as a linchpin in the global vaccine supply chain, a beacon of resilience since its inception in the 1960s. Last year alone, it dispatched over 1.9 billion vaccines to 170 nations, combatting scourges like Ebola and malaria.
However, it was the crucible of the pandemic that thrust SII into the spotlight, as it partnered with AstraZeneca to expedite Covid-19 vaccine production. Adar Poonawalla, CEO of SII, reflects on India’s pivotal role, earning its moniker as the ‘pharmacy of the world’. But amidst this acclaim, he laments the waning global appetite for such investments post-pandemic.
In the cacophony of Pune’s streets, amidst shanties and gleaming skyscrapers, preparations for ‘Disease X’ are well underway. SII’s genesis, a vision of Cyrus Poonawalla, aimed to democratize vaccinations in the developing world. Now, under his son’s stewardship, SII turns its gaze towards the unknown, epitomized by ‘Disease X’.
Dr. Umesh Shaligram, SII’s research and development director, envisions a swift response to future pandemics, underpinned by colossal manufacturing capabilities. Cepi’s $30 million investment underscores this commitment, heralding a ‘100 Day mission’ akin to the lunar race, ensuring swift vaccine development in crises.
While Europe strides forward with proactive vaccine manufacturing contracts, the UK’s inertia is stark. Clive Dix, former head of the UK’s Covid vaccine taskforce, bemoans the lack of political impetus. The demise of the Vaccine Manufacturing and Innovation Centre epitomizes this shortfall, symbolizing lost opportunities and misplaced priorities.
In Mr. Poonawalla’s vision, a mosaic of manufacturers across the globe mitigates supply chain vulnerabilities, ensuring equitable access to life-saving vaccines. As SII navigated India’s tumultuous Covid landscape, it remains steadfast in its commitment: no one left behind in the fight against global health emergencies.
Despite challenges and scrutiny, SII’s resolve remains unshaken. Rapid Ebola vaccine production and affordable malaria shots exemplify its capacity to bridge gaps in global vaccine accessibility. As Mr. Poonawalla asserts, SII’s mission transcends borders, underscoring the imperative of collective action in safeguarding global health.
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