Good morning, everyone. It’s a real pleasure to be back in London, of course I consider myself as a Londoner because I studied here, and to see so many friends and colleagues again in person.
My thanks to CEPI and to the Government of the United Kingdom for your hospitality, and for your support – not just for this event, but for global health.
I remember coming here to the Science Museum when I was a student at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine more than 30 years ago.
As it did then, this museum continues to tell a powerful story – the story of how science, research and innovation have transformed our world, and enabled millions of people to live longer and healthier lives.
Perhaps no single innovation has done that more powerfully than vaccines.
Almost 200 years since the death of Edward Jenner, we all continue to benefit from the incredible gift he gave the world – a gift that has changed the course of history and changed the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.
I’m particularly delighted that Dame Sarah Gilbert is with us today. Dame Sarah, thank you for your life of science and service, and thank you for the lives you and your colleagues have helped to save in this pandemic. My respect and appreciation.
Today, on International Women’s Day, I also want to acknowledge the many women who have made such an incredible contribution to science and health, starting from our own Chief Scientist, Soumya Swaminathan, who is here with us today.
Source: World Health Organization