UN Mexico “emphasize the importance of cooperation to boost vaccine production in Latin America and the Caribbean

Photo: ECLAC

On October 28 and 29, the first regional technical workshop for vaccine manufacturing was held in the region, organized by the Government of Mexico, CEPI, the Pan American Health Organization and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Mexico City, November 2, 2021 (ECLAC) – On October 28 and 29, 2021, the first Regional Technical Workshop on Vaccine Manufacturing in Latin America and the Caribbean was held in a virtual format, with authorities and experts stressing the importance of cooperation between countries and sectoral institutions to enhance vaccine production in the region.

It was organized by the Secretariat for Foreign Relations of the United Mexican States, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

The main objective of the workshop was to present and analyze the available data for a general survey of the strengths and weaknesses of the region in the field of vaccine manufacturing, as a response to the current health crisis and potential future epidemics.

In this sense, this space was presented as a unique opportunity to strengthen and rebuild networks of scientific and technical cooperation in the region.

During the workshop, Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights, met. Martha Delgado Peralta, highlighted the importance of political will in the region in building regional plans that allow us to assemble a response to future health problems.

On the other hand, the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, Dr. Alicia Barcena, emphasized that the regional search for a solution is the most appropriate given the complexities and heterogeneity of the region, which is unique in the world and requires careful attention.

In this regard, he highlighted the continuation of the Latin American and Caribbean Health Self-Sufficiency Scheme adopted within the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).

In his participation, Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI, highlighted the workshop’s efforts as an opportunity to increase the connections that allow us to advance technically and politically in improving the global response to this type of crisis.

James Fitzgerald shared his contribution to the PAHO’s progress in public health, not only for COVID-19 but also for various diseases across the region.

This workshop brought together participants from all over the Latin American region from a wide range of sectors and industries, which allowed for a rich discussion of different perspectives on vaccine manufacturing.

As conclusions, the importance of continuing these workshops has been identified, so there will be a second episode tentatively held in February 2022.

In the same way, the perspective was shared that this type of effort ensures better regional coordination in the future, and provides a platform for academia, international organizations, and the public and private sectors, to think together about the best strategies to confront the future with better tools.

*End*