Global health organizations open offices in Shanghai

Two global non-profit health organizations have set up offices in Shanghai, hoping to join in local efforts to fight against COVID-19 and the city’s development to become a global innovation hub.

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation (CEPI) announced on Monday night that it officially launched its representative office in Shanghai on April 17 as the newest member of its global network after offices in Oslo, London and Washington DC.

Aiming to develop vaccines against emerging infectious diseases, the Norway-based organization, through its newly established Shanghai office, will seek cooperation with China in the prevention and control of pandemic diseases, including funding public health projects and starting vaccine R&D.

“The CEPI Shanghai Representative Office will facilitate our collaboration with China, and we look forward to working closely with Chinese partners in the fight against COVID-19,” said Richard Hatchett, chief executive officer of CEPI.

Another organization PATH set up its representative office in Shanghai on April 23.

The US-based organization aims to solve the world’s most pressing health challenges. It has been working with Chinese authorities, institutions and companies for decades on vaccine development.

“The city of Shanghai is aiming to become a globally recognized science and technology innovation center. We are honored to be supporting this through close collaboration and partnerships with local governments, research institutes and peers,” PATH said.

“We will actively develop collaborations in the fields of drugs, vaccines and more to promote innovation. While the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, we expect to work with Shanghai Science and Technology Committee to strengthen international collaboration for developing diagnostic tools, therapeutic drugs and vaccines to contribute to the global effort.”