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In 1966, he had a vision: ensuring every child could look forward to a healthy childhood, at an affordable price. This vision took the form of the Serum Institute of India, and it went on to redefine vaccination in India and beyond.
Two years after it began operating, the Serum Institute of India launched its first therapeutic anti-tetanus serum. So began an over-50-year journey that would lead to the production of life-saving vaccines, creating a legacy that resonates in over 140 countries.
Dr Cyrus Poonawalla’s efforts to ensure Indians had access to affordable life-saving biologicals in abundance has resulted in India becoming self-sufficient in Tetanus Anti-toxin and Anti-snake Venom serum. He followed it up with the DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis) group of Vaccines, the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) group of vaccines, and the polio vaccine.
Today, Dr Poonawalla’s focus on quality and innovation has landed Serum Institute accreditations with a host of global organisations like the WHO, and collaborations with international agencies like PATH and NIH to develop vaccines against diseases like Meningococcal A, H1N1 Influenza, Rotavirus and even Coronavirus.
This institution is not only India’s leading biotech company, it is the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer — having produced over 1.3 billion doses. It is estimated that about 65% of the children in the world receive at least one vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India.
Dr Poonawalla’s mantra of “Health for all by 2000 AD” came to fruition through the national programme of immunisation. For his unparalleled contributions to medicine and public health, the government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri in 2005, and the Padma Bhushan in 2022.
