OIC member states reiterate resolve to collaborate in production, distribution of vaccines

The member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have reiterated their resolve to collaborate in the production and distribution of vaccines and medicines.

The member states made this pledge during a two-day virtual workshop held between December 8 and 9, 2020.

The workshop brought together officials from National Medicines Regulatory Authorities (NMRAs); Pharmaceutical companies, researchers and scientists from across the OIC member states.

The workshop, which was organized and hosted by the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority in collaboration with the OIC General Secretariat, attracted over 200 participants and discussed a range of critical issues related to its theme “Enhancing Collaboration in Research, Manufacturing, Management of Medicines and Vaccines in the OIC Member States”.

The virtual workshop was opened by H.E. Dr Penny Lukito, Chairperson of Indonesian Food and Drug Authority, who emphasized “the need for collaboration in the face of the enormous challenges posed by the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic.”

While addressing the gathering, H.E. Amb. Askar Mussinov, OIC Assistant Secretary General for Science & Technology, underscored the role of NMRAs in ensuring access to effective, safe, and affordable medicines and vaccines.

The participants stressed the importance of effective and timely implementation of the two documents adopted by the first meeting of Heads of NMRAs from OIC member states which was held in Jakarta, Indonesia between November 21 and 22, 2018, namely Jakarta Declaration and Plan of Action.

These two landmark documents provide a framework of cooperation among the OIC member states and contain appropriate strategies and concrete actions that can be used to address the adverse effects of Covid-19 pandemic.