Part 2/12:
As the world grappled with the pandemic, hope emerged in the form of vaccine development. Singapore’s health agencies actively communicated with international partners, monitoring progress and existing vaccine candidates. By the first quarter of 2020, companies like Moderna reported promising results from animal studies and early human trials, sparking optimism.
Recognizing the need for accelerated timelines, Singapore’s health authorities reevaluated traditional evaluation processes that typically take over a year. They committed to a compressed yet rigorous review, prioritizing safety and efficacy. Significantly, Singapore signed advanced purchase agreements, betting on these vaccines with substantial investments, despite the inherent risks.