Ghana to begin local production of tetanus diphtheria vaccines by 2026 under National Vaccine Institute initiative

Ghana is set to commence local production of tetanus diphtheria vaccines by 2026, marking a significant stride toward vaccine self-sufficiency and improved national health security. The initiative, spearheaded by the National Vaccine Institute (NVI), forms part of the government’s broader strategy to reduce dependency on imported vaccines and strengthen domestic production capacity.

Dr Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, Chief Executive Officer of the NVI, announced that production processes were already underway, with substantial progress made at the country’s vaccine manufacturing plant. “By 2026, Ghana will not only be producing tetanus vaccines locally but will also have the capacity to export to other African countries,” he said.

He made these remarks during a training workshop for selected journalists on Vaccine Communication and Advocacy, organised by the NVI in partnership with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN).

Dr Sodzi-Tettey noted that the project would enhance Ghana’s ability to respond swiftly to infectious disease threats and ensure a consistent vaccine supply for the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI). “This milestone will not only strengthen our health security but also boost public confidence in our national immunisation programme,” he said.

The locally produced tetanus vaccine is expected to boost immunisation coverage among children and women of reproductive age. Dr Sodzi-Tettey explained that tetanus, a preventable yet deadly disease caused by Clostridium tetani, remains a public health concern, particularly affecting newborns and mothers during childbirth in areas with limited access to sterile care. He emphasised that local vaccine production would make distribution more reliable, efficient, and cost-effective.

According to the GHS, the initiative would also serve neighbouring West African countries, positioning Ghana as a hub for regional vaccine production.

Dr Naziru Mohammed Tanko, Deputy Programmes Manager of the EPI, said local vaccine production was long overdue, stressing that “it means greater control over pricing, accessibility, and emergency response. It’s a strategic investment in national health sovereignty.”

He added that meeting the 2026 production target would mark a turning point in Ghana’s health sector, reinforcing the country’s pursuit of universal health coverage through sustainable immunisation programmes. “Once operational, Ghana will become one of the few African nations capable of manufacturing and distributing vaccines locally, advancing the continent’s broader goal of health independence,” Dr Tanko said.

With this bold move, Ghana is positioning itself as a leader in Africa‘s vaccine ecosystem, ensuring that lifesaving immunisations, including the tetanus vaccine, are accessible, affordable, and produced within its borders.