In recent discussions at a conference on pharmaceutical manufacturing in Entebbe, Uganda, stakeholders examined the challenges and opportunities of enhancing vaccine production in Africa. While there is growing enthusiasm for boosting local vaccine manufacturing, experts highlight the complexities involved.
Nazeem Mohamed, Vice Chair of the Federation of African Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations (FAPMA), emphasized that vaccine production differs significantly from making tablets. While Africa possesses knowledge, experience in vaccine manufacturing is limited, and animal vaccine production does not directly translate to human vaccines.
Akhona Tshangela, Program Coordinator for Partnerships for the African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM), shared the Africa CDC’s ambition to meet 60% of health product demand by 2040 through innovation and local manufacturing. This goal involves fostering partnerships, strengthening R&D, scaling infrastructure, and attracting investments.
The African Union aims to increase local vaccine and pharmaceutical production from less than 3% to 60% by 2040. Currently, over 75% of medicines in sub-Saharan Africa are imported, costing approximately US$14 billion annually.
Africa’s pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape faces challenges. McKinsey’s 2019 report reveals that out of approximately 375 pharmaceutical manufacturers in Africa, most are in North Africa. Only Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa have sizable industries, primarily producing for local markets. These manufacturers often purchase active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and lack significant R&D activity.
Vaccine manufacturing is a costly venture, with initial costs around €90 million and €30 million for operation. Africa would need partnerships with established pharmaceutical industries to transfer technology, further increasing expenses.
Finding markets for vaccines is complex, as they are primarily procured by organizations like GAVI and UNICEF. This market competition, coupled with the Selum Institute of India’s dominance, poses challenges for African vaccine companies to be cost-effective.
Positive policy attitudes, economies of scale, support industries, and skilled human resources are essential for Africa’s vaccine manufacturing industry. Africa must collaborate as a united bloc to navigate these complexities successfully.
Experts emphasize the need for the private sector’s involvement and cooperation with governments to achieve the ambitious goal of increasing vaccine manufacturing in Africa. Building strategic partnerships and gaining policymaker support are crucial steps toward realizing this vision.
