The ASEAN Network for Drugs, Diagnostics and Vaccines Innovation (ASEAN-NDI) continues to revitalize the network of researches across the ASEAN region with the help of WHO and ASEAN in the facilitation of the 2nd Country Coordinators’ Meeting and Consultation Forum to be held in Makati City, Philippines on Dec. 6, 2010.

Accomplished works of the network like the ASEAN consolidated report with information derived from the reports submitted by the respective country coordinators of the ASEAN and information drawn from publications and internet sources will be presented during the meeting. ASEAN-NDI also came up with a functional and user-friendly website containing the results of the mapping exercise. The website and database is envisioned to provide to various stakeholders a quick review of available technologies, human resources, as well as existing linkages and initiatives in ASEAN member states that could support product innovation in the region.

The ASEAN-NDI Lead Coordinator and Focal Point for the Philippines for the ASEAN Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Dr. Jaime Montoya said, “The results of the mapping activity lay the groundwork for the eventual establishment of the ASEAN Network for Drugs, Diagnostics and Vaccines Innovation (ASEAN-NDI), which we are hoping to launch during the ASEAN Ministers Meeting in 2011.”

The 2nd meeting is envisioned to be an interaction of ASEAN experts on health R&D innovation that will lead to the setting of new directions of ASEAN-NDI and re-evaluation of each member state’s strategies toward R&D innovation.

The participants will consist of country coordinators, ASEAN SCB focal points on Biotechnology and officials from each country’s Ministry of Science and Technology or Ministry of Health. Positive responses were received from the representatives of the ASEAN member states as they confirmed their participation in the meeting.

With new strategies and plans that will be gleaned from the ASEAN representatives during the meeting, ASEAN-NDI is set to provide the template for the establishment of an Asian regional network for innovation in product R&D.

The 2nd country coordinator’s meeting and ASEAN Representatives consultation on ASEAN-NDI will be staged at Dusit Thani Hotel. The hotel sits on the lap of luxurious sights and sprawling urban hubs of Makati.