Immunization projects in India

The second most populous country in the world India, has emerged as a major vaccine producer in recent years, focusing efforts on geographical regions where vaccines are not funded by the United Nations or charitable organizations, reports The Pharma Letter’s India correspondent.

Though the country is attracting funds from entities like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and GAVI, a global vaccine alliance, the recently unveiled National Biotechnology Development Strategy, aims to ensure that India will start making its own supply of vaccines and antibiotics, which will benefit the country's economy.

The Indian government's current budget for immunization is around $89.25 million, though sources indicated the immunization spend is likely to shoot up to $267 million by 2017.