$8.8 billion raised for vaccination from enterprises around the world

A total of $8.8 billion was raised from enterprises worldwide for public welfare vaccination, and Chinese enterprises contributed to their efforts.

The money was raised online during the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization's fundraising. Thirty-two government-funded countries and 12 enterprises, foundations and organizations took part in the donation. The funds raised will be used in offering more than 10 types of vaccines to 300 million children from low and middle-income countries in the coming five years.

Kunming-based Walvax Biotechnology Co Ltd, as one of the donors, vowed to provide affordable two-valent human papillomavirus, or HPV vaccines for cervical cancer, which targets two genotypes of virus, of benefit to 84 million girls from developing countries worldwide.

Li Yunchun, chairman of the board of Walvax, said that the company has always been devoted to offering high-quality, low-cost, and affordable vaccines to low and middle-income countries around the world. The two-valent HPV vaccine manufactured by the company has entered the stage of Chinese market access declaration, and is estimated will be approved by 2021. The company will then apply for the World Health Organization's pre-qualification.

"Once approved, half of our production capacity will be offered to Gavi, in an effort to fully support and benefit the 84 million girls aged between nine and 14 worldwide," he said.

Premier Li Keqiang said during the online fundraising that China will encourage its research institutions and vaccine producers to step up coordination with Gavi, and support its playing an important role in promoting vaccine use.

A vaccine will be a strong shield, and China will continue to support the WHO, playing a central role in coordinating vaccine research and development, he said.

Apart from manufacturing HPV vaccines, Walvax said that it will accelerate the research and development process for a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, fulfilling its commitment of providing safe, effective and high-quality global public goods to the world, and contributing to the realization of vaccine accessibility and affordability in developing countries.

Founded in 2001, the company is one of the leading vaccine companies with multiple self-developed vaccine products. Maintaining a considerable market share in China, its products are also exported to 13 countries and regions across Asia, Africa and Americas.