Brazil’s Minister Marcos Pontes says country will be major vaccine producer

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Minister of Science, Technology and Innovations Marcos Pontes said yesterday (3) during the opening of the 18th National Week of Science and Technology (SNCT) in Brasilia, that Brazil will undergo a major change before the world in the development of new technologies.

According to the Minister, several new advances have been fostered by the Ministry’s many efforts – from stem cell research to aerospace development. Marcos Pontes further stated that he believes events like SNCT 2021 foster curiosity and the desire for learning in complex areas.

In an interview after his address, Marcos Pontes discussed the directions of Brazilian science and the independent development of vaccines.

The Minister said that Brazil will cease to be an importer of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) to excel as a producer and exporter of vaccines to the whole world. “This is now happening. There are projects underway in all areas. All of this because science is cross-disciplinary.”

Pontes also said that plans to make Brazil a hub for vaccine exports cover not only Covid-19, but all the neglected tropical diseases, such as dengue, yellow fever, zika, and chikungunya.

“This Ministry is characterized by transforming and making practical things happen, turning innovations into practices and taking them to the people. These are great challenges,” he said.

During the ceremony, Marcos Pontes recalled the signing of the National Technology Assistance Plan, held in the morning at the Planalto Palace, which enables a number of public and private investments in accessibility initiatives.

Pontes also celebrated the International Day of the Disabled, commemorated yesterday and the theme of events throughout the federal government.