France, AU, and GAVI Unite to Boost Africa’s Vaccine Manufacturing by 2040

This ambitious objective is the focal point of discussions at the Global Forum for Vaccine Sovereignty and Innovation, taking place in Paris today.

The forum has attracted a significant assembly of dignitaries, including African heads of state, health ministers from various regions, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), and prominent leaders from the pharmaceutical industry. This convergence of influential stakeholders underscores the critical importance of enhancing vaccine manufacturing capabilities on the African continent.

A key highlight of the forum is the official launch of the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA). This initiative is designed to support African nations in achieving vaccine self-sufficiency, with a target of producing 60% of the continent's required vaccine doses by 2040. The AVMA is a strategic response to the glaring disparities in drug and vaccine access that were starkly revealed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The AVMA was first announced during the WHO's World Immunisation Week in April, marking a pivotal step towards addressing the systemic inequities in global health. By bolstering local vaccine production, the initiative aims to ensure that African countries are better equipped to manage public health crises and reduce their dependency on external sources for essential vaccines.

The collaborative efforts of France, the AU, and GAVI signify a robust commitment to enhancing global health security. The successful implementation of the AVMA could transform the landscape of vaccine availability in Africa, fostering greater resilience and autonomy in the face of future health challenges. As the forum progresses, stakeholders will continue to refine strategies and mobilize resources to realize this vision of vaccine sovereignty and innovation in Africa.