Los Angeles Times: One way the Islamic world is tackling its problem with childhood vaccines
Muhammad Naeem Khan, assistant secretary general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation

“…Most vaccines are imported from developed nations, making them unaffordable for those who need them most in developing nations. And vaccine shortages … only compound the problem. … [W]ith the Islamic world’s limited-production capacity and medical research capabilities, addressing that deficit has required innovative collaborations between the public, private, and nongovernment sectors. This resulted in the 2014 creation by the [Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)] of the Vaccine Manufacturers Group, a unique collaboration of the public and private sectors. The group, a network of major vaccine producers across OIC member states, enables producers to pool resources, know-how, and research. Its long-term goal is ambitious: to jointly develop affordable vaccines across the Islamic world. … [T]he OIC’s Vaccine Manufacturers Group could be a model for other future development approaches the organization might undertake in the Islamic world. … [I]t is precisely that ability to unite governments, civil society, and private enterprise behind one common purpose and program of action that is bringing the Islamic world closer to a vital goal: easy access to affordable, potentially lifesaving vaccines” (3/3).