The European Union (EU) has pledged EUR 32 million to enhance vaccine production in Ghana under the Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines, and Health Technologies in Africa Initiative (MAV+).
This global initiative, supported by EUR 1 million from the EU budget and the European Investment Bank, aims to create a conducive environment for local vaccine manufacturing in Africa.
Speaking at an event in Accra to announce the support, Mr Irchad Razaaly, Ambassador of the European Union to Ghana, highlighted that the funds would address barriers to both vaccine supply and demand.
The MAV+ initiative recognizes the complexity and urgent needs of the vaccine manufacturing sector, aiming for a comprehensive approach to establish a thriving ecosystem for vaccine and drug production.
“A country that aspires to become a vaccine-manufacturing hub needs a 360-degree approach that is aimed at establishing a thriving ecosystem for the production of vaccines and drugs,” stated Mr. Razaaly.
In April of this year, the EU, through the European Investment Bank (EIB), provided five million as seed grant funding to the vaccine-manufacturing unit at DEK Vaccine Limited.
Additionally, the EU collaborated with the German Development Corporation in a project to enhance the vaccine licensing capacity of Ghana's Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).
Mr Razaaly emphasized the significance of vaccine licensing to ensure that vaccines produced in Ghana meet quality standards, enabling them to access regional and global markets.
He also mentioned that the GAVI Board recently approved the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator, a financing instrument providing up to USD 1 billion to support sustainable vaccine manufacturing.
With the collective support from the EU and other development partners, Ghana is well-positioned to access the resources necessary to continue its ambitious vaccine manufacturing agenda, Mr. Razaaly noted.
The EU looks forward to assisting Ghana in developing a national vaccine policy to establish conditions for the government's initiation of domestically produced vaccines, he added.
Dr Anthony Nsiah-Asare, Presidential Advisor on Health, affirmed that the government is diligently working to position Ghana as a vaccine manufacturing hub.