The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) signed today (8) an agreement to implement the National Vaccine Center, which will work in partnership with the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), the Financier of Studies and Projects (Finep) and the government of the state of Minas Gerais. The agreement puts into practice the protocol of intentions signed in September this year.
At the center, it will be possible to carry out tests of vaccines against covid-19 produced with national technology and developed by researchers from public universities. The structure will also enable continuous contact with the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) in order to comply with the stages of the research process and alignment with market production procedures.
According to the minister of Science and Technology, Marcos Pontes, Brazil cannot be totally dependent on foreign countries in the areas of technology and health. According to Pontes, the center will be able to put scientific work into practice and be the link between the academic environment and the market.
“It is a turning point in our country’s history. This is what will make Brazil independent from the vaccine. No country can want to sell to us, but we will be able to do it here and sell to others, feeding the countries on our continent and other continents. We have the knowledge, but taking this knowledge to become a product, a vaccine, is a long way, and our ministry has made this connection”, he said.
The agreement is signed during the 18th National Technology Week, which is being held in Brasília until December 10th.
