A communiqué aiming at bolstering domestic production of vaccines, diagnostics, medications and other vital health items has been approved by African Union (AU) member states.
Under the leadership of Harry Kimtai, Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Kenya’s delegation joined regional leaders in endorsing important pledges to improve health security and self-sufficiency throughout the continent.
The announcement highlights the creation of the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism (APPM) to increase affordability and access, the upgrading of the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM) to the Platform for Harmonized African Health Manufacturing (PHAHM) to promote self-reliance, and the fortification of regulatory frameworks through the African Medicines Agency (AMA) and the African Medicines Regulatory Harmonization (AMRH).
Along with encouraging regional cooperation and funding sources to maintain investments in Africa’s health manufacturing industry, it also backs the Gavi African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA), a $1.2 billion project to increase vaccine production.
In order to guarantee demand stability for local producers, the forum called on AU Member States, regional economic communities, and international partners to give priority to the purchase of vaccines and health goods manufactured in Africa.
Stronger pledges to financing, skills development, and coordinated procurement strategies were also demanded in order to lessen reliance on imports. Kenya reiterated its dedication to furthering these projects, which is consistent with the AU’s goal of a robust and independent health system throughout the continent.
