Asean to buy vaccines in bulk
Monday, May 1, 2017
The Philippines and nine other countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are looking at the possibility of buying in bulk to address the issue on supply inadequacy of affordable vaccines in the region.
Zulkifli Ismail, member of the ROTA Council for Malaysia and secretary general of the Asia Pacific Pediatric Association, said the lack of supplies and expensive pricing were raised during three-day 6th Asian Vaccine Conference held here from April 27 to 29.
“The ASEAN is looking to work for whole procurement of vaccines. The 10 ASEAN countries will have to talk to each other and agree on certain vaccines and buy them in bulk so that prices will decrease,” Ismael told The STAR.
During the conference, stakeholders and advocates gathered to discuss comprehensive solutions for the introduction of new vaccines and programs to eradicate illnesses.
Ismael noted that ASEAN nations currently buy their vaccines separately thus losing the bargaining power with pharmaceutical companies when it comes to prices and quality.
Source: PhilStar Global (link opens in a new window)
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