AUDA-NEPAD, Egypt Launch Push to Boost Africa's Vaccine Testing
The initiative, announced this week, seeks to empower African countries to conduct rigorous vaccine lot release testing before distribution.
CAIRO, Egypt - The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and the Egyptian Drug Authority have launched a new initiative aimed at strengthening vaccine testing and production capabilities across Africa, writes Baboloki Semele.
The initiative, announced this week, seeks to empower African countries to conduct rigorous vaccine lot release testing before distribution.
Currently only five national regulators are classified as having the capacity for this.
As part of the push, AUDA-NEPAD and Egypt are working to boost technical expertise through knowledge sharing and collaboration between quality control laboratories across the continent.
"We strive to build a resilient healthcare system in Africa, driven by innovation and regional cooperation," said Dr. Jean Fidele Bationo from the African Medicines Regulatory Harmonization program.
The effort includes a focus on standardizing methodologies and upgrading facilities to meet international standards for vaccine production and testing nationwide.
AUDA-NEPAD emphasized the need to make Africa more self-sufficient in providing medical services, preventing further loss of life, and establishing civilian-led stability.
In Chad, the regional initiative has already prompted calls for joint solutions to enhance health security and prevent conflicts that could hamper development goals.
The program's knowledge-sharing strategy involves building expertise by facilitating exchanges between regulatory bodies, health ministries and multilateral organizations across borders.
Participants say this collaborative approach is vital for achieving health for all.