Historic Investment: $1.2 Billion Pledged for Vaccine Manufacturing in Africa

Global leaders, health organisations, and pharmaceutical companies have jointly declared a funding of $1.2 billion to support the production of vaccines in Africa. This announcement was made during the Global Forum for Vaccine Sovereignty and Innovation held in Paris. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the significant disparities in vaccine access worldwide, particularly in Africa, which is grappling with various health challenges. 

During the forum, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasised the importance of the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator in establishing a robust African vaccine market. 

The low vaccine production capacity in Africa, currently at two percent, is targeted to increase to sixty percent by 2040, as stated by President Macron. 

The recent cholera outbreaks in Africa have underscored the urgent need for local vaccine manufacturing capabilities to address health crises effectively. 

Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health systems and vaccination programmes, emphasising the importance of addressing these issues. 

The Gavi vaccine alliance, a key organiser of the forum, aims to raise $9 billion for its vaccine initiatives, including supporting Africa’s manufacturing capacity and enhancing global vaccine markets. 

Through the accelerator project, Gavi intends to provide financial support to African manufacturers upon meeting specific milestones, with the goal of reducing vaccine prices and encouraging investments in the sector. 

The initiative will also focus on technology transfer and other critical aspects to strengthen Africa’s vaccine production capabilities and enhance preparedness for future pandemics and disease outbreaks.

The accelerator, according to the Geneva-based alliance, is set to provide financial support to manufacturers in Africa upon reaching specific supply and regulatory targets. The ultimate goal is to leverage market dynamics to lower prices and promote investment in the upstream sector.

Authorities have indicated that the initiative will delve into topics such as technology transfer, a concept that has faced opposition from certain Western nations with influential pharmaceutical industries. Additionally, discussions will revolve around the potential establishment of an African medicine agency and addressing the regulatory challenges posed by the diverse legal frameworks across Africa.