India and Netherlands have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of Measles- Rubella Vaccines. The MoU is an initiative under India Make in India movement. The MOU was signed by Union government in the presence of the Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte during his visit to India.
About the MOU
- The vaccine will be manufactured by Bharat Immunologicals and Biologicals Corporation Ltd (BIBCOL).
- Translational Vaccinology (INTRAVACC) a government-based institute of Netherlands will provide technical support for the development of vaccine.
What is INTRAVACC?
INTRAVACC institute is a part of Netherlands’ Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. It is known for vaccine development and has a long history in technology transfer.
What is BIBCOL?
- BIBCOL is a Central Public Sector Unit (CPSU) under the Department of Biotechnology of Union Ministry of Science & Technology.
- It was established as a PSU in 1989.
- Its main objective is to achieve self-sufficiency for the nation with respect to production and supply of high quality polio vaccine and other biological.
- During India’s immunisation programme BIBCOL had supplied billions of doses of oral polio vaccine and had played a major role in making India polio free.
