Saudi Delegation Visits Pakistan to Boost Vaccine Production
High-Level Saudi Delegation Visits Pakistan, Vaccine Manufacturing Cooperation Expected
ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – A high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia has arrived in Pakistan, with discussions expected to advance bilateral cooperation in local vaccine production.
The delegation, led by Saudi Senior Advisor for Industry Nizar Al-Hariri, held meetings with Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal and senior officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of Health. The talks focused on local vaccine production, future demand, available infrastructure, and national manufacturing capacities.
Heads of institutions under the Health Ministry, the CEO of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), and the CEO of the National Institute of Health (NIH) also briefed the delegation during the meeting.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal highlighted that Pakistan has a population of approximately 240 million, with nearly 6.2 million children born annually—equivalent to the population of New Zealand each year. He noted that the government currently provides 13 types of vaccines free of cost to citizens, which are imported with the support of international partners at an annual cost of around $400 million.
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He added that 49% of vaccine costs are borne by international partners, while the government covers 51%, reducing the financial burden. However, international aid is expected to end by 2031, after which the full cost of vaccines will fall on Pakistan’s economy. Without local production, annual costs could rise to $1.2 billion, posing a significant strain on the national budget.
Minister Kamal said that under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, the Health Ministry has begun urgent steps to address these challenges, with tangible progress in local production of vaccines for thirteen diseases.
He emphasized that collaboration between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in the health sector, particularly in vaccine manufacturing, will set a regional example and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
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