The 2nd Vaccine and Other Health Products Manufacturing Forum, taking place from February 4 to February 6, 2025, in the dynamic city of Cairo, Egypt, was a monumental stride towards enhancing health security and sovereignty across Africa. Organized by pivotal organizations such as the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Regionalized Vaccine Manufacturing Collaborative (RVMC), and the Unified Procurement Authority of Egypt (UPA), this event gathered a diverse and influential coalition of stakeholders united in their mission: to bolster Africa’s capacity for local production of essential vaccines and health products.

The forum witnessed participation from an impressive array of attendees, including African Union Health Ministers, representatives from National Regulatory Authorities, members of Regional Economic Communities, local manufacturers, critical policymakers, development finance institutions, and international partners.

These dedicated individuals engaged in rich dialogue, delving into the complexities involved in establishing a resilient and sustainable manufacturing ecosystem for the continent. Key discussions addressed necessary regulatory reforms, strategies to overcome market fragmentation, methods to enhance access to financing, and the urgent need for tailored workforce development to support local manufacturing efforts.

Since the launch of the inaugural Manufacturers Marketplace for Vaccine Manufacturing in Morocco in 2023, Africa has experienced significant advancements in its health product manufacturing landscape.

The forum showcased several noteworthy achievements that underscore this promising trend:

1. Inauguration of the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA):

Gavi proudly announced the launch of the AVMA, supported by a groundbreaking financial commitment of up to $1.2 billion over the next decade. This initiative is pivotal for not only elevating local vaccine production capabilities but also ensuring that Africa can access vital vaccines promptly during public health emergencies—essential for safeguarding public health.

2. Expanded Role for Africa CDC:

During the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union, African leaders recognized the urgent necessity for a systematic approach to health product procurement. They assigned the Africa CDC the critical task of establishing a Pooled Procurement Mechanism aimed at centralizing purchasing from African manufacturers and broadening the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing to encompass a wide array of medicines, diagnostics, and health products.

3. Significant Financial Investments from Global Donors:

A consortium of global donors and development finance institutions—including prominent entities like the European Investment Bank, International Finance Corporation, and U.S. International Development Finance Corporation—committed over $3.5 billion to invigorate Africa’s health manufacturing efforts. These essential commitments are expected to substantially finance infrastructure development and support innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing local manufacturing capabilities.

4. Progress in Regulatory Frameworks:

The forum highlighted the encouraging strides made by numerous African National Regulatory Authorities that attained WHO Maturity Level 3 status for non-vaccine products. This achievement marks a crucial step in strengthening regulatory frameworks across the continent, vital for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of local health products.

5. Formation of the Regionalized Vaccine Manufacturing Collaborative (RVMC):

The RVMC emerged as a vital platform designed to foster collaboration among governments, multilateral organizations, the private sector, civil society, and funding institutions. This concerted effort aims to streamline vaccine manufacturing processes, encourage knowledge sharing, and forge partnerships that will expedite vaccine production across Africa.

Dr. Sania Nishtar, the Chief Executive Officer of Gavi, underscored the forum’s significance with her powerful statement: “Creating a sustainable ecosystem for vaccine and health product manufacturing will not only address the continent’s health needs but also catalyze economic growth and empower African nations to take control of their health futures.” Her insights reflect the forum’s overarching ambition to transform Africa’s health landscape through enhanced local manufacturing capabilities.

Adding to this critical discourse, Africa CDC’s Director-General, H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, emphasized the urgent call for self-reliance in health security, stating, “Africa’s health security hinges on our capability to produce the vaccines and health products we require right here on our continent.” This urgent message highlights the pressing need to cultivate local industries and reduce dependence on external sources, positioning Africa to shape its own health destiny.

Image Source:africacdc.org