'WHO Global Training Hub for Biomanufacturing' Launches 2025 1st Basic Training on Vaccine Manufacturing Processes 

- Now in its fourth year since its launch in June 2022 -

- 159 participants (140 from overseas + 19 from Korea) from 41 countries to receive training over two weeks starting June 16, organized by the International Vaccine Institute at Seoul National University’s Siheung Campus  -

The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW, Minister Cho KyooHong) announced that, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), it will conduct the first 2025 session of the Basic Training on Vaccine Manufacturing Processes at Seoul National University’s Siheung Campus over two weeks starting June 16. This training is part of the Global Training Hub for Biomanufacturing (GTH-B) initiative, aimed at strengthening vaccine manufacturing capacity in low- and middle-income countries, as well as in Korea.

The Global Training Hub for Biomanufacturing was established in February 2022 through a partnership between the MOHW and the WHO in response to COVID-19, with the goal of addressing global vaccine inequity and building a safer world against infectious diseases. This year marks the fourth year of the program.

This first training session of the year is designed based on insights gained over the past three years. The curriculum spans the entire vaccine and biopharmaceutical development and production process, featuring high-quality lectures and discussions led by experts from Korea and abroad. The program also offers interactive learning activities, networking opportunities with Korean companies, and field visits to manufacturing facilities—providing a more practical and well-rounded learning experience. The training is jointly organized by the Global Training Hub for Biomanufacturing Support Foundation (GTHB-SF) and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI).

Additionally, starting with this session, the certificate of completion will be co-branded by the WHO and the MOHW, following consultation with the WHO.

To prepare for the training, the government has worked since January with the WHO, GTHB-SF, and IVI to recruit participants. A total of 159 trainees were selected: 140 from 40 low- and middle-income countries and 19 from Korea. Participants include professionals from both the public and private sectors involved in vaccine and biopharmaceutical development, including those from government and public institutions. The Korean participants consist of professionals from relevant companies, researchers, and job seekers.

Since its launch, the Global Training Hub for Biomanufacturing has trained 754 participants from 43 countries in 2022, 1,187 from 54 countries in 2023, and 966 from 49 countries in 2024. This year, the hub aims to train over 1,000 individuals through a variety of programs, including theoretical and practical training, online courses, and overseas on-site consulting.

Following the June training, a WHO-affiliated theoretical course on quality control is scheduled for the second half of the year. In addition, hands-on training on vaccine and biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes—including mRNA vaccines, antibody-based vaccines, and plasmid and protein production—will continue, targeting trainees who have completed theoretical courses in Korea, as was done last year.

International participants will also visit the production facilities of Korea’s advanced biopharmaceutical manufacturers. These visits are expected to raise awareness of Korean companies and foster connections with international trainees, helping lay the groundwork for Korean firms to expand into global markets.

The opening ceremony for the basic training on vaccine manufacturing processes will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 16, at Seoul National University’s Siheung Campus.

Jung Eun-young, Director-General for Health Industry Policy at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, stated, “Now in its fourth year, the Global Training Hub for Biomanufacturing has been recognized as a flagship WHO initiative that significantly contributes to strengthening global vaccine manufacturing capacity. It offers a wide range of training programs—from theoretical and hands-on learning to overseas consulting and online courses—for both Korean and international trainees.”

She added, “Building on our achievements and experience, we will further expand practical training alongside theoretical instruction to improve vaccine production capacity in low- and middle-income countries. Korea will fulfill its responsibility as a global leader in cultivating talent for infectious disease preparedness by delivering high-quality, diverse training programs.”

Noh Yeon-hong, Chairman of the GTHB-SF, commented, “The foundation is progressively building a global bio campus—including lecture halls and laboratories—to provide trainees with top-tier lectures and hands-on training in Korea, a leading country in global health security.”

He continued, “In collaboration with regional campuses and the International Vaccine Institute, we will develop advanced courses and train-the-trainer programs in addition to our existing offerings, ensuring that tailored, needs-based training is delivered.”

Jerome Hahn Kim, Director General of the International Vaccine Institute, said, “Since 2022, the GTH-B initiative has leveraged Korea’s advanced biomanufacturing infrastructure and IVI’s proven capabilities to deliver high-quality training to around 1,000 professionals annually. This structured and sustained education has played a crucial role in helping low- and middle-income countries build a skilled workforce, thereby narrowing global disparities in vaccine access.”///