Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has proposed the establishment of an ‘OIC Vaccine Alliance’ comprising Islamic countries, stating that vaccine production is critically important for the healthcare sector and requires a joint strategy among member states.
Addressing the fourth meeting of the OIC Vaccine Manufacturers Group, Mustafa Kamal said Pakistan, with a population of 240 million and an annual increase of more than six million people, faces significant challenges in local vaccine production. He emphasized that strengthening domestic vaccine manufacturing capacity is essential to meet growing healthcare needs.
The health minister said Pakistan has set a target to end vaccine imports and external dependence by 2030, but stressed that efforts to enhance production capacity should begin immediately rather than waiting for the deadline.
He added that Pakistan has adequate infrastructure, including strong institutions such as the National Institute of Health, but vaccine manufacturing and procurement are not highly profitable businesses, making reliable partnerships necessary.
Mustafa Kamal further stated that Pakistan is seeking cooperation with countries including China, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia, noting that Saudi Arabia has been undergoing the vaccine manufacturing process for the past ten years.
