Share
Biovac Institute on Africa’s readiness to manufacture Covid-19 vaccines
South Africa is working towards boosting its vaccine manufacturing capacity as the country battles the third wave of the pandemic. Biovac established 17 years ago to build local vaccine manufacturing capability, says there still a lot of work to be done. Dr Morena Makhoana, CEO of the Biovac Institute.
Fri, 18 Jun 2021 11:47:53 GMT
Disclaimer: The following content is generated automatically by a GPT AI and may not be accurate. To verify the details, please watch the video
AI Generated Summary
- Biovac Institute's proactive efforts to enhance vaccine manufacturing capabilities in South Africa and Africa amidst the ongoing pandemic.
- Challenges and misconceptions regarding Africa's capacity to produce vaccines are being addressed, with a growing recognition of the continent's potential in the global vaccine supply chain.
- Collaborations with European and American governments to secure funding reflect the international support for bolstering local vaccine production to ensure preparedness for future health crises.
The Biovac Institute, established 17 years ago to bolster local vaccine manufacturing capability in South Africa, continues to push for advancements as the country grapples with the challenges of the ongoing pandemic. Dr. Morena Makhoana, the CEO of the Biovac Institute, in an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa shed light on the institute's efforts and the broader landscape of vaccine manufacturing in Africa. The pressing need to enhance production capacity, especially in the face of the third wave of COVID-19, has spurred Biovac's initiatives to secure intellectual property rights, engage in bilateral discussions, and participate in key political debates revolving around intellectual property waivers taking place at the WTO in Geneva.
Dr. Makhoana emphasized the crucial momentum that is building up to bolster vaccine manufacturing not only in South Africa but across the African continent, highlighting the necessity to not only address the current pandemic but also prepare for future health crises. Despite the challenges and skepticism surrounding Africa's capacity to manufacture its own vaccines, Dr. Makhoana debunked such notions, pointing out that Africa possesses the potential and determination to rise to the occasion. The conventional belief that other countries could cater to Africa's vaccine supply has been challenged by export bans and the critical need for local production capabilities.
The readiness of Biovac Institute to contribute significantly to vaccine manufacturing was a focal point of the discussion. Dr. Makhoana clarified that while current capabilities allow for manufacturing pediatric vaccines, the institute is actively exploring opportunities to expand its capacity to produce COVID-19 vaccines, including mRNA technology. Contrary to previous estimates suggesting a three-year timeline for such advancements, recent developments have highlighted Biovac's ability to adapt quickly to evolving technologies and potentially leverage existing facilities to accommodate new production methodologies.
In terms of funding support for expansion endeavors, Dr. Makhoana revealed ongoing discussions with European governments, particularly French and German authorities, along with interest from the American government. These collaborations signify a global recognition of the importance of investing in local vaccine manufacturing capabilities to enhance preparedness for future health crises. The collective efforts to secure funding and technological expertise underscore a shared commitment to fostering self-reliance in vaccine production across regions.
The pursuit of vaccine manufacturing autonomy in Africa represents a significant step towards securing a sustainable and resilient healthcare infrastructure amidst the uncertainties brought forth by the pandemic. By harnessing the expertise and resources available, institutions like the Biovac Institute are at the forefront of driving innovation and advocating for a paradigm shift in how vaccines are produced and distributed in the region.
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER
DAILY UPDATE
Get the best of CNBC Africa sent straight to your inbox with breaking business news, insights and updates from experts across the continent.
Get this delivered to your inbox, and more info about about our products and services. By signing up for newsletters, you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.