Discussion highlights the role of international collaboration, public policies, and financing in addressing inequalities in access to vaccines and other health technologies.
The session “Potentialities and Challenges for Stimulating South-South Cooperation in Biotechnological Development, Tech Transfer and Capacity Building”, held during the 10th International Symposium on Immunobiologicals (ISI), brought together experts to discuss strategies for strengthening cooperation among countries in the Global South, with a focus on expanding manufacturing capacity, fostering innovation, and promoting equitable access to health technologies.
Chaired by Tiago Rocca (Butantan Institute), the session featured Iin Susanti (Biofarma/DCVMN), Priscila Ferraz (Fiocruz), Fernanda De Negri (Ministry of Health/SECTICS), and Chris Gill (Gates Foundation).
Prior to the main discussion, two poster oral presentations provided relevant contributions. Rodrigo Soares Caldeira Brant presented a study on the biochemical profiling of the SpiN antigen, highlighting quality control strategies for GMP-scale production. Laura Alves Ribeiro Oliveira shared findings from a longitudinal follow-up of individuals with post-COVID conditions, focusing on immunological biomarkers and treatment outcomes.
Opening the session, Iin Susanti emphasized the role of the Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers Network (DCVMN) in strengthening vaccine production across developing countries. The network promotes capacity building, technology transfer, innovation, and partnerships, aiming to expand access to high-quality vaccines globally.
Priscila Ferraz then presented the Global Coalition for Local and Regional Production, Innovation and Equitable Access, an initiative designed to strengthen regional manufacturing through international collaboration. The coalition brings together governments, scientific institutions, industry, and international organizations to address structural inequalities in access to vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Fernanda De Negri, from Brazil’s Ministry of Health, highlighted the importance of consistent public policies to enable international cooperation and strengthen technological sovereignty. She noted that Brazil has been advancing through innovation programs and strategic partnerships to consolidate its role in the global health landscape.
Closing the session, Chris Gill, from the Gates Foundation, addressed challenges related to vaccine coverage and financing for new technologies, highlighting combination vaccines as a strategy to expand access. He also emphasized the importance of South–South collaboration as a pathway to strengthen manufacturing capacity and respond to global health demands.
Throughout the discussion, it became clear that South–South cooperation plays a central role in addressing longstanding inequalities in access to health technologies. The alignment of local production, financing, innovation, and public policy emerges as a strategic pathway to strengthen health systems and enhance global health security.
Text: Marcela Dobarro
Image: Monara Barreto
