Improving access to vaccines in Africa will require a manufacturing ecosystem capable of supplying multiple countries, according to new analysis indicating that national-level efforts may hinder capacity building. The study, published in Discover Medicine, identifies cross-border and public-private collaboration as essential for enhancing vaccine capacity on the continent, as noted by lead author Vetja Haakuria, PhD, from the University of Rwanda.
Haakuria emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of the vaccine manufacturing ecosystem to guide capacity-building initiatives. Many African nations, with relatively small populations, face challenges in establishing viable end-to-end manufacturing operations. While some countries, like South Africa and Kenya, are making strides in local production, these isolated efforts may inadvertently impede the broader ecosystem development needed across Africa, particularly in addressing workforce and funding challenges.
In contrast to regions like Southeast Asia, where technology transfer has bolstered local manufacturing through public sector CDMOs, Africa lacks a similar infrastructure. Limited access to bioprocessing systems further complicates capacity-building efforts. Suppliers such as Cytiva and Sartorius are present in Africa, but their engagement must expand to reduce supply timelines and enhance access. Additionally, while AI holds promise for improving translational research and biomanufacturing, the immediate focus should be on building foundational capacity rather than optimizing processes. Haakuria suggests that technology transfer, training, and research are critical areas where AI can make a significant impact.
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