Last week at The World Vaccine Congress (WVC) Washington 2025, the largest vaccine event globally, bringing together leaders across the vaccine ecosystem, DCVMN CEO Rajinder Suri contributed his expertise to crucial conversations shaping the future of global health.
Mr. Suri participated in the panel “Strengthening the market and regulatory access of vaccines in Africa,” comprising of Prof. Petro Terblanche, Managing Director of Afrigen Biologics (Pty) Ltd, Dr Dakshina Reddy, Global Head of Regulatory Lead at the Gates Foundation Medical Research Institute, and moderated by Ms Seanette Wilson from Biovac, where discussions centered on how to increase local vaccine manufacturing capacity, bolster regulatory systems within African nations, foster regional collaboration on procurement and market dynamics, and address vaccine hesitancy through targeted initiatives. Mr. Suri offered valuable insights into the key challenges local manufacturers face today and shared strategic advice on how to build a stronger and more resilient vaccine manufacturing ecosystem in Africa for the future emphasizing on the dignified partnerships at equal footing with African vaccine manufacturers.
Later that day, Mr. Suri moderated an equally important session, “COVID & Beyond: Which vaccination programs with pandemic potential have worked, and how can we repurpose COVID facilities and incorporate novel platforms?” This dynamic panel featured Dr Raman Rao, CEO of Hilleman Laboratories along with DCVMN Board Members, Prof Mauricio Zuma, Ms Rachel Park, Dr Andrew Wong and Treasurer Mr Fernando Lobos. They shared perspectives from DCVMs on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, the future of vaccination programs, and opportunities to leverage pandemic-era investments to strengthen global health systems citing various successful examples of repurposing production facilities for other important vaccines in the post COVID era.
DCVMN is proud to see its members and leadership actively shaping the future of vaccine access, innovation, and pandemic preparedness across the world.
