ISLAMABAD: Comstech on Tuesday announced plans to collaborate on vaccine development in Pakistan with Iran’s Pasteur Institute by training virologists.

Coordinator General Comstech Prof M. Iqbal Choudhary shared the vision of training 10 virologists in each Muslim country and promoting scientific exchange and fellowship in the area of infectious diseases.

He was speaking at a three-day international course on ‘Outbreak Investigation and Control of Infectious Diseases’ that commenced at the Secretariat of the OIC Standing Committee on Science and Technology (Comstech).

“This international course, with participants from various countries, is a stepping stone towards fostering a collaborative approach to tackle infectious diseases,” he said.

The course, facilitated by five renowned experts in virology and infectious diseases from the Pasteur Institute of Iran and two from ICCBS, attracted over 100 participants from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia, Iran, Yemen, Nigeria, Uganda, Indonesia, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Jordan and Bangladesh.

The course was jointly organised by Comstech, Pasteur Institute of Iran and Dr Panjwani Centre for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, ICCBS, University of Karachi.

The chief guest at the inaugural ceremony, Iranian Ambassador Dr Reza Amiri Moghaddam expressed gratitude to the Comstech team for organising this important capacity-building event.

Dr Moghaddam pledged full support for such collaborations, emphasising the enduring cooperation between Comstech and Iran.

During his speech, the ambassador highlighted Iran’s significant scientific achievements, despite challenges and sanctions. He said Iran had emerged as a global leader, publishing over 78,000 scientific articles in 2022 and ranking 15th worldwide.

He underscored Iran’s commitment to scientific development, with notable progress in various fields and a focus on inclusivity, evident in over 50pc of Iranian students being women. He assured Iran’s complete support for the Comstech Inter-Islamic Cooperation in Science and Technology.

Addressing the audience, Prof M. Iqbal Choudhary expressed optimism about the collaboration with the Pasteur Institute of Iran, considering it the beginning of a fruitful partnership with a leading institution of the Muslim world.

Dr Choudhary highlighted Comstech’s mission to advance the Muslim Ummah in S&T, technology for health, and all fields.

Furthermore, Comstech said the three-day course, scheduled to continue until December 28, symbolised the commitment of Comstech and the Pasteur Institute of Iran in advancing scientific knowledge and cooperation within the OIC community.

Published in Dawn, December 27th, 2023