Korea's International Vaccine Institute opens collaboration centre in Bhutan

The Bhutan-International Vaccine Institute (IVI) Collaborating Centre has been officially launched in Thimphu, Bhutan, marking a significant milestone in strengthening regional health research, pandemic preparedness, and capacity building in Asia.

The centre was jointly inaugurated by Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk, Minister for Health, Royal Government of Bhutan, and Professor Florian Marks, Deputy Director General of Korea-based IVI’s Epidemiology, Public Health and Impact (EPIC) Unit.

The Bhutan-IVI Collaborating Centre 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 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes, staff training, and infrastructure support
• Academic collaboration, including joint teaching, scholarships, and student exchange
• Immunisation support by fundraising for the Bhutan Health Trust Fund to strengthen sustainable vaccination programs

The establishment of the Bhutan-IVI Collaborating Centre 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.

Professor Florian Marks, IVI Deputy Director General said, “This centre 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.”