August 11th marks the anniversary of the founding of National Vaccine Institute (NVI), which celebrates its 12th year in 2024. NVI was established with the mission of supporting the country's comprehensive vaccine efforts, spanning from early research and development to distribution and administration. NVI's work is guided by the National Vaccine Security Strategy, ensuring that Thailand has a sufficient and continuous supply of vaccines in both normal and outbreak situations.
Along the work over 12 years, NVI has achieved significant milestones that are widely recognised by the public. These achievements include policy development under the National Vaccine Committee (NVC), chaired by Deputy Prime Minister, such as the creation of a new vaccine procurement mechanism in the national immunization program and the introduction of Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) and rotavirus vaccines involve integrating new vaccine procurement and stockpiling strategies. This includes implementing a fast-track plan to eliminate measles in accordance with international commitments, as well as incorporating surveillance, vaccination campaigns, and preparedness plans for influenza pandemics. Additionally, NVI has promoted research and development for Japanese encephalitis vaccine. In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, a novel disease with no existing vaccine at the time, NVI mobilized resources with national and international partners. NVI developed comprehensive pathway called the 'Blue Print', which consists of three approaches: 1) domestic research and development, 2) international collaboration, and 3) advance market commitment. This strategy aims to provide Thai people with timely access to vaccines on par with international standards and to effectively manage the crisis.
Regarding the funding research and development of vaccines, over the years, NVI has provided funding to support vaccine research and development across multiple dimensions. This includes grants support for vaccine research and development, policyresearch, and infrastructureimprovement. Currently, Thailand has the comprehensive infrastructures and system supporting for vaccine operations, including vaccine research centres in laboratories, animal model vaccine testing centers, semi-industrial vaccine production facilities, clinical research centres, and regulatory agencies. Moreover, the institute has provided funding to enhance the capabilities of vaccine professionals in educational institutions, research organisations, and manufacturers.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, NVI provided funding to support several projects aimed at the research and development of COVID-19 vaccines and effectively responding to the outbreak. Subsequently, NVI was recognised as a Program Management Unit (PMU) within the national science, research and innovation funding system, according to the announcement of the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council. This designation enabled NVI to provide funding across all levels of technology readiness, covering the entire cycle of vaccine development. One notable success is the COVID-19 vaccine, HXP-GPOVac, successfully received product registration approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This vaccine was developed by the Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO) in collaboration with The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, The University of Texas at Austin and PATH In the next phase, additional funding will be provided to support the development and production of alternative vaccines in Thailand.
Furthermore, NVI serves as a central hub for the management of integrated information and knowledge to support policy, economic, and academic decision-making related to vaccines. It also provides academic services in the development of vaccine-related knowledge, technology, and innovation. NVI has developed the Vaccine Information and Management System (VIMS), which is now available for publicutilization. Moreover, efforts have been accelerated to improve public vaccine literacy, particularly in light of the widespread dissemination of fake news and misinformation, which may cause worrisomeness and vaccine hesitancy, thereby undermining public confidence in government communications. Accurate and comprehensive vaccine information is being disseminated to target groups, particularly the elderly. In the future, NVI plans to delivering accurate and comprehensive vaccine information, such as sharing knowledge about disease prevention through vaccination across different age groups via Facebook Live sessions and setting up exhibition booths.
Another key mission is to build collaboration with partners. NVI has expanded its partnerships beyond national borders to the regional and global levels. NVI has taken a leading role in promoting of ASEAN Vaccine Security and Self-Reliance (AVSSR), pushing the concept of elevating vaccine standards to the international stage since 2014. The initiative aims to provide a platform for knowledge exchange among ASEAN member countries and prepare for future health threats through strengthening vaccine networks and HR capacity building. This includes upstream collaboration for vaccine research and development, establishing vaccine stockpiles, and regional vaccine procurement. In addition, NVI works closely with various international organizations, including the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Bank (WB), the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and other key global stakeholders. NVI continues to welcome new collaborations to further strengthen vaccine development and preparedness on a global scale.
On the global front, NVI has promoted collaborations with internationally recognised vaccine manufacturers with high potential, focusing on technology transfer for vaccine production. For example, the 9-valent HPV vaccine has been one such successful collaboration. The institute also aims to continue acquiring technology transfers for other highly-potential vaccines in the future.
As the NVI enters its 12th year, NVI remains committed to building on its successes and enhancing the capabilities of the national vaccine network. The goal is to ensure that Thailand achieves vaccine security, self-reliance, and preparedness to effectively combat emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in the future, ultimately contributing to a healthy population and a sustainable healthcare system.