Iran’s Vaccine Ecosystem: From Fragmented Capacities to a National Mission

The development and integration of Iran’s national vaccine ecosystem have entered a new phase, with increasing attention to connecting the country’s scientific, research, technological, and manufacturing capacities and building a more coordinated structure across the vaccine sector.
According to the Secretariat of the 1st International Congress of Vaccine and Vaccination, the development of a national vaccine ecosystem requires stronger connections among the various stakeholders and a shift from fragmented and sector-based approaches toward a more integrated national framework.
A recent report by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) described the appointment of Dr. Seyed Reza Bani Hashemi as the President’s Special Representative for Iran’s national vaccine ecosystem as an important development in placing the vaccine sector within a broader national framework. The mission focuses on improving coordination among existing capacities and redefining the vaccine value chain as a national priority. 
Dr. Bani Hashemi, Head of Research and Development at the Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute and Scientific Secretary of the 1st International Congress of Vaccine and Vaccination, is actively involved in the scientific and strategic development of Iran’s vaccine ecosystem.
Within this framework, establishing stronger links among research institutes, academic centers, knowledge-based companies, manufacturers, the private sector, and government institutions can contribute to a more effective use of existing capacities throughout the national vaccine value chain.
Strengthening research and development, utilizing emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, enhancing cooperation between strategic vaccine institutes, and creating mechanisms for greater participation of the private sector and other stakeholders are among the issues being discussed in relation to the development of a national vaccine ecosystem. 
The development of an effective vaccine ecosystem depends on connecting capabilities across the entire value chain. Vaccine development extends beyond final manufacturing and encompasses research and development, technology, production, quality control, commercialization, healthcare systems, and policymaking.
The 1st International Congress of Vaccine and Vaccination follows this broader perspective by seeking to create a platform for connection and synergy across the vaccine ecosystem, bringing together scientific, research, technological, industrial, and private-sector capacities.
The participation of Dr. Bani Hashemi as the Scientific Secretary of the Congress, alongside his scientific and strategic responsibilities in the national vaccine ecosystem, further highlights the importance of the Congress as a platform for scientific dialogue on the future of vaccines and vaccination.
Ultimately, strengthening these connections can support the transition from individual and dispersed capacities toward a more integrated, dynamic, and resilient national vaccine ecosystem.
Congress Date & Venue
1st International Congress of Vaccine and Vaccination16–17 December 2026, Milad Tower, Tehran, Iran
Congress Slogan:One Health; United Pioneers via Innovative Vaccine Ecosystem for a Safe Future
Source: Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA)