OIC Vaccine Manufacturers Convene in Islamabad to Boost Health Self-Reliance

Islamabad — Leading vaccine manufacturers, regulators, and experts from OIC member states gathered in the federal capital on February 9, 2026, for the fourth meeting of the OIC Vaccine Manufacturers Group (VMG) at the OIC-Comstech Secretariat, aiming to advance vaccine self-reliance and strengthen collective health security across the Islamic world.

The inaugural session was attended by Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal as the chief guest, alongside OIC Assistant Secretary-General (Science and Technology) Aftab Ahmad Khokher and OIC-Comstech Coordinator General Prof Dr Mohammad Iqbal Choudhary. Senior representatives from the OIC General Secretariat, WHO, Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), SESRIC, SMIIC, and development partners were also present.

Key Highlights

• Fourth OIC VMG meeting held at Comstech Secretariat in Islamabad.
• Focus on vaccine self-reliance and health security for OIC nations.
• Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal chief guest.
• Pakistan aims to develop indigenous vaccine production by 2030.
• Covid-19 highlighted need for local manufacturing capacity.
• OIC General Secretariat reaffirms strong support for VMG.

Welcoming participants, Prof Dr Mohammad Iqbal Choudhary described the gathering as a reflection of OIC member states’ commitment to collective health security at a critical global moment. He stressed that the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting supply chain disruptions made vaccine self-reliance a strategic necessity, especially for OIC countries facing high disease burdens and growing populations.

Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal informed the forum that Pakistan currently relies on 13 imported vaccines and shared the country’s goal of establishing indigenous production capacity by 2030 through collaboration with OIC partners.

Aftab Ahmad Khokher reaffirmed the OIC General Secretariat’s full support for the VMG, noting that building vaccine manufacturing capabilities within member states is central to the organisation’s science, technology, and development agenda.

The meeting underscored the shared resolve among OIC nations to reduce dependence on external supplies, enhance emergency preparedness, and ensure equitable access to vaccines — a vital step toward stronger health sovereignty and resilience across the Muslim world. Discussions are expected to continue with concrete proposals for joint production, technology transfer, and regulatory harmonisation in the coming sessions.

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