African Ministers and Global Partners Pledge Stronger Action to Boost Local Manufacturing of Medicines and Vaccines

African ministers of health and global partners gathered for the Seventy-fifth session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa have pledged stronger action to accelerate local manufacturing of medicines and medical products to ensure self-sufficiency. The region currently produces less than 1% of the vaccines it consumes, leaving it vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and global inequities. Health leaders committed to increase domestic investment, expand clinical trial capacity, and implement the Regional Framework for Strengthening Local Production of Medicines, Vaccines, and Other Health Technologies (2025-2035). The initiative is supported by partners including Unitaid, the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

Key Takeaways:

• African countries aim to increase domestic investment and expand clinical trial capacity to boost local manufacturing of medicines and vaccines.
• The region currently produces less than 1% of the vaccines it consumes, highlighting its vulnerability to supply chain disruptions and global inequities.
• Health leaders committed to implement the Regional Framework for Strengthening Local Production of Medicines, Vaccines, and Other Health Technologies (2025-2035).
• Zambia took the lead in local products manufacturing, with the hope that other countries will join to improve the well-being of people across the region.
• Partners emphasized the importance of local production, not only as a health imperative but also as a strategic driver of economic resilience and innovation.
• The "Gavi Leap" strategy will radically shift Gavi's operating model to empower countries and foster sustainable, locally driven solutions.
• The ACHIEVE 2.0 initiative aims to mobilize funds for Africa-based, end-to-end vaccine research and development, production, approval, and uptake.

Statistics:

• Africa produces less than 1% of the vaccines it consumes.
• Zambia has pledged to take the lead in local products manufacturing, with the hope that other countries will join.
• Partners have committed nearly US$50 million to two flagship programmes that will boost Africa's capacity to produce medical diagnostics and therapeutics.
• The Gavi Leap transformation plan aims to provide countries with the tools, trust, and assistance to shape their own futures.

Sources:

• World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa
• Unitaid
• International Vaccine Institute (IVI)
• Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance