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The Bhutan-IVI Collaboration Centre (BICC) is a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Health (Royal Government of Bhutan), KGUMSB, and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI). Officially inaugurated on July 8, 2025, the Centre serves as a regional hub for vaccine research, public health innovation, and professional capacity building. The launch ceremony was graced by the Hon’ble Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk, Minister for Health, alongside distinguished representatives from the IVI and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Global Health Institute (HKJCGHI). This milestone solidifies a partnership that dates back to 1996 and was formally strengthened by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in June 2024.
Purpose and Strategic Objectives 

The BICC is dedicated to advancing Bhutan’s health security and research excellence through:

  • Collaborative Research: Driving studies on vaccines, infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and emerging health threats.
  • Pandemic Preparedness: Strengthening national and regional health security frameworks to respond to future crises.
  • Capacity Building: Enhancing the national workforce through specialized training, Continuous Professional Development (CPD), and knowledge exchange.
  • Sustainable Immunization: Supporting the long-term sustainability of Bhutan’s national immunization programs.
By bridging global expertise with local health priorities, the BICC aims to position Bhutan as a leader in health research and public health resilience in Asia.