NAIROBI, Kenya – The African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), in partnership with the Kenya Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, has underscored the critical role of local production of medical supplies in ensuring the preparedness of stockpiles for pandemics.
According to Kenya News Agency, Deputy Director General of Kenya’s Ministry of Health, there is a significant regional need to develop medical countermeasures for a timely response to pandemics and other public health emergencies. This statement came during a scientific conference in Nairobi titled ‘Strengthening Public Health Systems in Africa towards Enhanced Global Health Security: The Role of Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program’.
Dr. Matendechero revealed that AFENET is working on establishing regional logistics hubs to aid several countries, urging them to build capacities for maintaining ready stockpiles of essential medical supplies, such as vaccines, medicines, test kits, and equipment. He pointed out the focus on producing more affordable medical solutions in the future, to take advantage of economies of scale for sufficient vaccine production and other products for a wide range of public health challenges, not just pandemics.
He cited the Covid-19 pandemic as a driving force behind this initiative, highlighting delays in vaccine acquisition due to ‘vaccine nationalism’ and emphasizing the Africa CDC’s strategy to increase local manufacturing capacities.
To bridge these gaps, AFENET’s strategy includes the development of local and regional vaccine production that is cost-effective. Matendechero tied these efforts to Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program, which aims to synchronize with the regional goal of enhancing local manufacturing capabilities.
In addition, he pointed to the need for improved disease surveillance, research, and data management to inform planning and decision-making based on scientific evidence. The impact of climate change on health was also mentioned as an emerging issue requiring more profound attention.
Professor Earnest Kenu, Board Chair of AFENET, highlighted the organization’s work in building capacity to detect and respond to medical challenges promptly. He emphasized the importance of showcasing the achievements of member countries during the conference to the international community. AFENET’s role in disease surveillance, outbreak detection, and response, and supporting member states in managing outbreaks was also underscored by Professor Kenu.