Congress Scientific Secretary Emphasizes an Integrated National Vaccine Ecosystem

Dr. Seyed Reza Bani-Hashemi, Special Representative of the President for the National Vaccine Ecosystem and Scientific Secretary of the 1st International Congress of Vaccine and Vaccination (ICVV 2026), emphasized the need to develop an integrated, sustainable, and forward-looking framework for Iran’s vaccine industry.

At a meeting between Dr. Bani-Hashemi, members of the National Vaccine Advisory Group, senior officials from the Ministry of Health’s Communicable Diseases Management sector, and a group of vaccine and health experts, key aspects of organizing the national vaccine ecosystem and strengthening its capacities were discussed.

Highlighting the importance of evidence-based decision-making and expert experience, Dr. Bani-Hashemi stated that the final framework of the national vaccine ecosystem should be developed through the effective use of the country’s scientific capacities and broad expert consensus, free from financial and administrative conflicts of interest, and ultimately established through a national resolution.

He also identified the definition of research and development priorities, technological advancement, knowledge transfer, and effective mechanisms for sustaining innovation and vaccine production as essential elements for the long-term development of the sector.

During the meeting, the Head of the National Vaccine Advisory Group emphasized the importance of maintaining and strengthening the Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute and the Pasteur Institute of Iran as two key pillars of the country’s health and vaccine infrastructure, stressing the need to support their scientific, technological, and infrastructural capacities.

The Head of the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control also highlighted vaccines as a strategic commodity within the health system and described the current focus on vaccination as an opportunity to further strengthen the country’s infrastructure and capabilities in this field.

The discussions also closely align with the scientific priorities of the 1st International Congress of Vaccine and Vaccination (ICVV 2026), which adopts a One Health approach and focuses on the future of vaccines and immunization, including emerging and re-emerging diseases, pandemic preparedness, novel technologies, policy, manufacturing, access, and public trust.

The meeting concluded with an emphasis on continuing specialized consultations and incorporating the expert perspectives of the National Vaccine Advisory Group into the development of the final national vaccine ecosystem framework.

ICVV 2026 provides a platform for scientific dialogue among researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and health professionals on the future of vaccines and vaccination.