In order to boost scientific and technological cooperation in the area of immunobiologicals, the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) and the Panama government signed a memorandum of understanding. The partnership was made official on Friday (12) during the inauguration of the Regional Center for Innovation in Vaccines and Biopharmaceuticals Panamenho (CRIVB AIP), which is born with the mission of strengthening the regional capacity for research, development and production of vaccines and biopharmaceuticals.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva received at the end of August the president of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, on an official visit to Brazil. At the meeting, at the Planalto Palace, Lula said the agenda marked the beginning of a relationship between countries, with the strengthening of the bonds of cooperation and friendship between two democratic, multicultural and biodiversity -rich nations.
“Fiocruz will expand the Panamania vaccine production capacity and contribute to the establishment of a regional pharmacist,” Lula said during Mulino’s visit.
The memorandum of understanding now signed by the Panamanian government with Fiocruz is a direct consequence of this bilateral meeting led by President Lula.
“The signing of this document consolidates Fiocruz’s commitment to partnerships that favor the strengthening of health systems in Latin America and the Caribbean, promoting scientific, technological integration and local production capacity, a fundamental initiative for the sovereignty and health security of our countries,” said Fiocruz President Mario Moreira.
CRIVB AIP is an initiative of the National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation of Panama that aims to position the country as a regional hub of health innovation, acting in translational research, clinical development, local immunobiological production and training of professionals.
The center structure includes a vaccine production plant, diagnostic laboratories and product development, as well as training programs and regulatory cooperation.
“We hope to advance on projects of great impact on regional public health, reaffirming our vocation of institutions that work for science and equity in access to vaccines and biofarmacos,” said the deputy director of innovation of Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz, Ricardo de Godoi.
The development of partnerships with the new center in Panama aims to expand Fiocruz’s strategic presence in Latin America and reinforce the sovereignty of the region. The country’s privileged geographical location, added to its robust logistics infrastructure, may allow a more agile distribution of vaccines throughout the region, strengthening equitable access and rapid response to health emergencies.
* With information from Fiocruz de Notícias Agency
