Dr. Ngo Phi Phuong, Director of the National Institute for Vaccine and Biologicals Testing (NIVBT) under the Ministry of Health, stated on 2/6 at a cooperation signing ceremony with Sanofi that enhancing vaccine inspection and quality management capacity is an essential requirement. This is driven by increasing demand for vaccines and Vietnam's deep international integration. The initiative not only ensures the quality of circulating vaccines but also strengthens health security and increases public access to safe, effective vaccines.

In recent years, the health sector has shifted from a treatment-focused approach to proactive disease prevention. The Politburo's Resolution 72, issued in 2025, sets a target to maintain essential vaccination rates above 95% and expand the scope of immunization programs.

Vaccines are a pivotal public health achievement, credited with saving over 150 million lives worldwide in the last 50 years. To ensure the efficacy and safety of each vaccine dose, mandatory quality inspection is required before circulation. Every vaccine batch must undergo thorough evaluation and testing to meet safety and potency standards before it is administered.

In Vietnam, the NIVBT oversees this crucial task. The institute is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) for its competence in both laboratory testing and vaccine lot release. It continually updates its inspection methods to meet the evolving demands of the immunization system.

Vaccinating people. Photo: *Quynh Tran*.

Under the cooperation agreement for the 2026-2029 period, the two parties will organize training activities, scientific workshops, and professional experience sharing. They will also facilitate access to modern vaccine inspection methods. Furthermore, the collaboration will foster connections with domestic and international professional organizations to update inspection standards, regulations, and practices in line with international norms.

Lucas Steinberg, Vaccine Portfolio Director and General Manager of Sanofi Vietnam, expressed hope that the cooperation program will enhance national vaccine inspection capacity. It aims to support the development of an internationally standardized quality management system, ensuring that every vaccine dose reaching the public meets safety and efficacy requirements.

Le Phuong