The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) showcased its leadership in Africa’s vaccine manufacturing ecosystem at the World Vaccine Congress in the USA.

Africa CDC’s dynamic participation included a strategic roundtable, four insightful speaking sessions, and an engaging exhibition booth, sparking critical discussions on vaccine manufacturing, equity, localization, supply chain enhancement, and procurement processes.

In partnership with the Mastercard Foundation under the Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative, Africa CDC hosted a roundtable addressing the urgent need for a sustainable vaccine R&D workforce in Africa.

Experts emphasised innovative financing and greater coordination to overcome the continent’s R&D and manufacturing talent deficits.

Key takeaways included the call for partnerships, workforce development, and the complete localisation of the R&D value chain, highlighting the importance of intra-continental collaboration and political support.

Dr. Abebe Genetu Bayih, Acting Coordinator of the Partnership for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM), emphasised the need for synergy among African member states during a keynote panel on implementing vaccine manufacturing in Africa.

He outlined Africa CDC’s pivotal role in streamlining efforts, fostering demand for locally produced health products, and ensuring sustainable markets for African vaccine manufacturers through pooled procurement mechanisms.

Dr Yewande Alimi, One Health Unit Lead at Africa CDC, highlighted the importance of vaccines in reducing infections and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) during a panel on the value of vaccines against AMR.

She called for scaling up local manufacturing and increasing policy investments in Africa’s manufacturing ecosystem, promoting vaccines as a cost-effective intervention for low and middle-income countries.

Discussions also focused on building healthcare supply chains for regional production in Africa, overcoming trade barriers, and fostering public-private partnerships to enhance local manufacturing coordination and capabilities.

The Africa CDC exhibition booth showcased its work in the vaccine ecosystem, including the Platform for Harmonized African Health Products Manufacturing (PHAHM), the Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative, Antimicrobial Resistance, and One Health programs.

The event attracted 4,000 attendees, including 450 speakers and 250 exhibitors, all committed to advancing the global vaccine value chain.

"Health security for Africa means access to safe and effective vaccines," said Africa CDC representatives, reiterating their commitment to expanding local manufacturing of vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics.

This key strategy is essential for achieving Africa’s self-sufficiency and significantly enhancing global health security.