Today: 23 October 2025
24 May 2022
1 min read

Johns Hopkins honours Poonawalla for developing affordable vaccines

The honour was presented to the SII chief at the convocation ceremony held on Saturday, and Poonawalla termed it a “proud moment”…reports Asian Lite News

 The US-based Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has awarded the Dean’s Medal to Serum Institute of India (SII) Chairman Dr Cyrus S. Poonawalla for his outstanding work in developing and delivering affordable vaccines and contributions to the Indian biosciences industry for several decades, a statement said here on Monday.

The SII, with its Covid-19 vaccines, played a huge role in fighting the Coronavirus pandemic that raged across the world in the past over two years.

The honour was presented to the SII chief at the convocation ceremony held on Saturday, and Poonawalla termed it a “proud moment”.

“Over the years, our constant endeavour has been to provide high-quality vaccines with regular supplies, which ensure excellent immunisation coverage to children and families worldwide at an affordable, sustainable price point. The award is a motivation for SII to take up bigger challenges ahead and fortifies our objective of inclusive healthcare for all,” he added.

During the Coronavirus pandemic, SII brought international institutes and governments together to collaborate and build innovation-driven solutions.

Through strategic foresight and at-risk manufacturing, SII produced 1.9 billion doses and supplied 1.65 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines to the world.

Currently, the SII’s vaccine portfolio includes those for polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Hib, BCG, r-hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella as well as pneumococcal and Covid-19 vaccines.

The SII is credited with bringing world-class technology to India, supplying the world’s cheapest vaccines to as many as 171 countries.

Founded in 1966, SII achieved global leadership in terms of production of 4 billion doses annually, partnered early with the UNICEF and the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) for supplying measles vaccines between 1990-2016 and prevented 22 million deaths.

Some of the past awardees include social justice advocate Cheryl Dorsey, Pulitzer Prize-winner journalist Laurie Garrett and former Baltimore Health Commissioner Leana Wen.

ALSO READ-Japan, US to track China Navy’s activities, drills with Russia

Previous Story

WEF Turns Focus on UAE

Next Story

Global Covid caseload tops 526 mn

Latest from -Top News

World Court: Israel Must Uphold Rights in Palestine

Israel strongly rejected the opinion, calling it “politicisation of International Law, which seeks to produce political outcomes….reports Asian Lite News The World Court has ruled that Israel must respect international human rights

Clearing A Mess in Gaza

Municipalities across Gaza have mobilized their limited resources to clear streets and set up temporary shelters for thousands of displaced families…reports Asian Lite News The conflict has left behind an estimated 55

Gaza, Malaysia to help Gaza Rebuild

Egyptian, Malaysian leaders discuss Gaza aid, reconstruction amid ceasefire…reports Asian Lite News Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim spoke by phone about efforts to support Gaza’s reconstruction,

Netanyahu to Run Again in 2026

When asked whether he expects to win, Netanyahu said, “Yes.”…reports Asian Lite News Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed his bid for re-election in the 2026 parliamentary polls. He made the

UK backs Egypt-led Gaza stabilisation force

Britain takes an advisory and strategic role in US-backed efforts to establish a UN-mandated international force in Gaza and guide reconstruction plans estimated at £50bn…reports Asian Lite News Britain is taking a
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Poonawalla defends India’s vaccine diplomacy

Says SII has delivered more than 200 million doses, even