As Africa grapples with multiple outbreaks of mpox, public health leaders say locally produced vaccines are vital to end donation dependence and secure the continent's health.
SciDev.NetOct 29 2024 As Africa grapples with multiple outbreaks of mpox, public health leaders say locally produced vaccines are vital to end donation dependence and secure the continent's health.
In recent months, the disease has been spreading exponentially in the DRC, which has recorded more than 6,000 cases and 25 deaths this year.Despite requesting mpox vaccines two years ago, during a previous outbreak, the DRC and other low-income countries struggled to purchase them due to high costs. In September, Bavarian Nordic committed to increasing production of its JYNNEOS vaccine and said it was exploring the possible transfer of manufacturing to other companies in Africa or elsewhere.
‘Money game’ Amref Health Africa CEO Githinji Gitahi told SciDev.Net that a significant hurdle for African vaccine manufacturers is the uncertain market demand.“Developing proper vaccine manufacturing in Africa isn’t just about technology or skills, but also having a market to sell the vaccines,” said Gitahi.
“The pooled procurement mechanism, approved at the last AU summit, is a key step in generating predictable demand,” Kaseya told SciDev.Net.In September, Africa CDC signed an agreement with the Pan American Health Organization to support the implementation of the pooled procurement system and further promote local manufacturing.
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