Africa CDC Sets Ambitious Goal for Local Vaccine Production by 2040

ADDIS ABABA – The African Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has set an ambitious target to fulfill 60 percent of the continent’s vaccine requirements through local production by the year 2040. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the resilience and self-sufficiency of Africa’s healthcare infrastructure.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, Dr. Jean Kaseya, the Director General of Africa CDC, outlined the agency’s commitment to tackling the significant public health challenges posed by both communicable and non-communicable diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Cholera, and Ebola, which have a profound impact on the continent’s productive population.

The Africa CDC, a key institution of the African Union dedicated to supporting the public health initiatives of its member states and strengthening their capacity to manage disease threats, is spearheading efforts to promote local vaccine production. This includes enhancing testing capacities and improving access to healthcare services. Dr. Kaseya highlighted the initiative’s aim to create a robust and self-reliant healthcare system for Africa, with an emphasis on achieving a minimum of 60 percent vaccine self-sufficiency by 2040.

While the vaccine production program is still in its initial phase, it has already registered significant milestones, according to Dr. Kaseya. He underscored the critical need for continued advancement in vaccine manufacturing as a step towards Africa’s autonomy in pharmaceutical supplies.

Dr. Kaseya called on African nations to bolster local pharmaceutical companies beyond social, economic, and political considerations. Achieving the ambitious goals set by the Africa CDC, he noted, hinges on the comprehensive support provided to drug manufacturing entities across the continent. By doing so, Africa aims to secure a sustainable supply of essential medications and vaccines, ensuring the long-term health and well-being of its populations.