In a significant development for global health initiatives, Dr. Krishna M Ella, the distinguished Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Bharat Biotech, has assumed the presidency of the Indian Vaccine Manufacturers Association (IVMA). Dr. Ella’s appointment follows the tenure of Adar C Poonawala, who held the esteemed position from 2019 until March 2024.
Embarking on a two-year term commencing in April 2024, Dr. Ella brings not only his extensive experience but also a profound dedication to the core principle of universal vaccine accessibility. His vision emphasizes the critical role vaccines play in safeguarding global health, underscoring IVMA’s mission to ensure equitable access to life-saving immunizations.
“Innovation, sustainability, and equity,” Dr. Ella asserts, “form the foundation of our collective vision.” He pledges to steer IVMA towards advancing these principles in collaboration with its esteemed members. Driven by a commitment to global competitiveness, he advocates for aligning policies and regulations with the standards set by global health authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA).
Under Dr. Ella’s leadership, IVMA sets ambitious objectives aimed at fostering collaboration among vaccine manufacturers, researchers, and policymakers. The focus lies on accelerating the development of novel vaccines and optimizing production processes. A central aspect of this agenda is the nurturing of startups, facilitating industry-academia partnerships, and advocating for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
As a non-governmental apex organization, IVMA operates as a not-for-profit entity, guided and managed by industry stakeholders. It assumes a proactive role in shaping India’s healthcare landscape, advocating for policies conducive to vaccine development and distribution. This includes forging strategic partnerships between industry and government to create an enabling environment for immunization initiatives.
In summary, Dr. Krishna Ella’s assumption of the IVMA presidency marks the dawn of a new era in the organization’s pursuit of advancing public health in India and beyond. With his visionary leadership and the collective efforts of IVMA’s members, the organization is poised to effect transformative change in preventive healthcare, ultimately benefiting millions worldwide.
