{
  "id": 9485112,
  "title": "Singapore aims to help WHO get new vaccines approved during global crises: Ong Ye Kung",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/singapore-aims-to-help-who-get-new-vaccines-approved-during-global",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-24T04:01:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Straits Times",
    "slug": "straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/singapore-aims-to-help-who-get-new-vaccines-approved-during-global-crises-ong-ye-kung"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Singapore aims to assist the World Health Organization (WHO) in expediting the approval process for new vaccines during global crises, according to Health Minister Ong Ye Kung. This proposal involves the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) stepping up as a regulator to approve vaccines during outbreaks, rather than relying solely on the WHO's certification. Ong highlighted the bottlenecks in the current vaccine approval process, emphasizing that it would involve multiple certifications, including by the WHO, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the European Medicines Agency. Singapore, which is already certified at the highest maturity level for medical devices and drugs, is working towards Maturity Level 4 for vaccines as well. This certification would enable Singapore to become a part of the WHO's global network of reputable regulatory authorities, allowing for swift regulatory approval during emergencies. The HSA will collaborate with WHO to achieve this benchmarking and listing for vaccines. Additionally, Singapore is committed to supporting early surveillance and detection of dangerous pathogens alongside vaccine regulation. The country actively contributes to GISAID, a non-profit organization that facilitates the sharing of genomic data of pathogens, and processes much of the genetic sequence data here by A*STAR. Ong stressed the importance of transparency in public health surveillance and encouraged countries to share information promptly, even if it may pose reputational or economic consequences. Singapore's plan to contribute to global pandemic preparedness aligns with existing global initiatives, such as the WHO's pandemic fund and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, aiming to ensure equitable access to vaccines and build sustainable regional vaccine-manufacturing capabilities.",
  "summary": "The Health Sciences Authority aims to aid in regulatory approval of vaccines.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}