February 15, 2022

A Grant Agreement for the COVID-19 Vaccine Reactogenicity and Immunogenicity, and Capacity Building Project in Bhutan was signed between the Secretary of the Gross National Happiness Commission, Director of Bhutan Foundation, and President of Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan (KGUMSB) on February 15, 2022.

The overall goal of the project is to conduct a study on the reactogenicity and immunogenicity of homologous (Astrazeneca-Astrazeneca) and heterologous (Astrazeneca-Moderna) booster vaccines in adults, the efficacy of homologous (Moderna-Moderna) vaccines in children (12-17 years old), and vaccine breakthroughs in Bhutan. Through this project, laboratory and research capacity to conduct high-quality vaccine research studies in Bhutan will be strengthened. This study will help the Royal Government of Bhutan conduct virological surveillance, make policy decisions, and develop COVID-19 and other epidemiological strategies.

The USD 3.3 million project is supported by the Bhutan Foundation. It will be implemented by KGUMSB in collaboration with the Ministry of Health over the course of two years.