July 15, 2025 – On July 8, the Bhutan-IVI Collaborating Center was officially launched in Thimphu, Bhutan, marking a significant milestone in strengthening regional health research, pandemic preparedness, and capacity building in Asia.

The center was jointly inaugurated by His Excellency Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk, Minister for Health, Royal Government of Bhutan, and Professor Florian Marks, Deputy Director General of IVI’s Epidemiology, Public Health and Impact (EPIC) Unit. The inauguration was hosted at the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan (KGUMSB), where the Bhutan-IVI Collaborating Center (BICC) is anchored.

“The launch of the BICC is a landmark event that reflects Bhutan’s deepening commitment to advancing vaccine research, strengthening health security, and fostering meaningful international partnerships,” said His Excellency Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk. “This Collaborating Center is the outcome of a long-standing and trusted relationship between the Ministry of Health, KGUMSB, and the International Vaccine Institute.”

The event featured a scientific symposium titled “Advancing Health Research in Asia: Inaugural Bhutan-IVI Collaborating Center Symposium,” bringing together Bhutanese government officials, researchers, and global health partners to discuss collaborative approaches for strengthening pandemic preparedness, antimicrobial resistance surveillance, and vaccine development. The inauguration marked the formal opening of the center and the beginning of a strengthened partnership between Bhutan and IVI to advance global health goals.

The inauguration week also included the Regional Pandemic Preparedness Workshop, organized by KGUMSB in collaboration with IVI. This high-level event brought together Bhutanese officials and global health experts from countries including Thailand, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, the United Kingdom, Fiji, and international organizations such as WHO South-East Asia. Discussions focused on advancing evidence-based strategies, strengthening research and development capacity, regulatory frameworks, and governance for vaccines and clinical trials—key pillars for resilient health systems and pandemic response.

IVI’s partnership with Bhutan began in 1996 when Bhutan joined as a Signatory to the IVI Establishment Agreement. This collaboration was further strengthened in June 2024 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Health, KGUMSB, and IVI to advance vaccine research, public health innovation, and regional collaboration.

During the symposium, IVI announced the launch of its first joint project with Bhutan, Decoding Resistance: The Role of Whole-Genome Sequencing in Unravelling Antimicrobial Resistance in Bhutan, which will leverage advanced genomic tools to combat the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance within Bhutan and across the region.

The Bhutan-IVI Collaborating Center will serve as a hub for:

• Health research and innovation, including antimicrobial resistance, vaccine development, emerging diseases, and health economics
• Capacity building and professional development through CPD programs, staff training, and infrastructure support
• Academic collaboration, including joint teaching, scholarships, and student exchange
• Immunization support by fundraising for the Bhutan Health Trust Fund to strengthen sustainable vaccination programs

The establishment of the Bhutan-IVI Collaborating Center follows the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Royal Government of Bhutan at the end of last year, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing equitable health, pandemic preparedness, and vaccine research in the region.

Looking ahead

The launch of the Bhutan-IVI Collaborating Center reinforces Bhutan’s commitment to regional solidarity and equitable access to health innovation. The center is envisioned as a regional platform to foster scientific exchange, strengthen pandemic preparedness, and advance collaborative health research across South and Southeast Asia.

KGUMSB and IVI look forward to nurturing impactful partnerships and building resilient health systems that address current and future global health challenges.

“The opening of the Bhutan-IVI Collaborating Center is a landmark achievement for IVI’s mission in Asia. It underscores our commitment not only to vaccine innovation but also to building sustainable research capacity where it is most needed,” said Professor Florian Marks, IVI Deputy Director General. “This center will be instrumental in driving forward antimicrobial resistance research and pandemic preparedness in a region vulnerable to emerging infectious diseases. The collaboration with Bhutanese partners is a testament to how shared vision and partnership can create lasting impact for health equity in Asia and beyond.”