Singapore: The World Vaccine Congress Asia 2012 kicked off on June 11 at Singapore. In its 6th consecutive year, the event has become a meeting point for Asia's vaccine industry and international leaders. The congress brings together all the major vaccine stakeholders, through pharmas, biotechs, NGOs, research institutes, regulators and CDCs, to discuss the latest industry trends, business strategies and scientific developments in the global and Asian vaccine markets.

The first day of the event featured the World Influenza Congress Asia, while the World Vaccine Partnering Congress Asia and the World vaccine Trials and Manufacturing Congress will be held on June 12 and 13. The influenza congress had sessions on tackling influenza pandemic threat, building a strategy around vaccines, flu vaccine production and recent research and development successes and innovative products in the field.

The next two days will focus on strategies for vaccine manufacturing and immnization programs and matching of industry opprtunities with public health needs among other topics.