South Africa appreciates the role of the BRICS Vaccine Research and Development Center

“This initiative will significantly strengthen global capacity to prepare for and respond to pandemics,” Nzimande said in his opening remarks, held online online with the participation of BRICS leaders. This is an example of best practice in international cooperation in science and it will further deepen the partnership, solidarity and friendship among BRICS members”.

The BRICS Vaccine Research and Development Center initiative was first proposed to be established in the 2018 Johannesburg Declaration, said Minister Nzimande: “The initiative to establish this center is underpinned by values. The collective commitment of member economies to multilateralism, solidarity and equality will be a significant contribution to ensuring that vaccines become an affordable and accessible product for the global population. affordable for all who need it”. He stated that South Africa supports the initiative to have a broader focus, including the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, in line with the World Health Organization’s One Health approach. He also assured the BRICS members that South Africa would do its best to ensure the success of the initiative.

Minister Nzimande said: “Collaboration in epidemiological surveillance should be another priority in the partnership. South Africa will contribute expertise from renowned centers of infectious disease, in settings. our higher education and leverage the capabilities of the burgeoning pharmaceutical industry in the country to grow and expand this initiative.”

According to Mr. Nzimande, when South Africa assumes the chair of BRICS in 2023, South Africa will prioritize continuing to develop and build the hub based on what the current president, China, is doing.