Written question WQ88915
- Asked by
- Russell GeorgeConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Health and Social Services
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 6 days
Question
What engagement has the Welsh Government had with pharmaceutical companies regarding pandemic preparedness?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Health and Social Services
Regular relationships continue between Welsh Government officials and pharmaceutical manufacturers to understand product development, horizon scanning and supply availability for pandemic preparedness.
The Welsh Government is working with the UK Government on its 100 Days Mission to Respond to Future Pandemic Threats. The mission aims to reduce the impact of future pandemics by making diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines available within 100 days.
A 10-year partnership between the UK Government and Moderna was announced in December 2022. The Moderna Innovation and Technology Centre (MITC) will deliver an innovative new vaccine research and manufacturing centre in Harwell, Oxfordshire. This new facility enables the rapid development of vaccines and secure the supply of Covid-19 vaccines for the four UK nations and potential vaccines developed for other respiratory infections. We are engaging with Moderna under the partnership arrangements in place to support our preparedness.