Ayele Addis Ambelu (Ayeleradio@gmail.com)
Paris, June 20, 2024 – In a landmark event, the Global Forum for Vaccine Sovereignty and Innovation brought together a diverse group of global leaders, policymakers, and health experts to address critical vaccine access and production issues. Co-hosted by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the African Union, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and the Government of France, the forum highlighted new initiatives to transform vaccine manufacturing in Africa and ensure global health security.
Gavi’s Investment Opportunity (IO):
Gavi launched its new Investment Opportunity, a strategic framework detailing the impact goals and funding needs from 2026 to 2030. This initiative is projected to sustain and expand immunization efforts globally, building on Gavi’s legacy of immunizing over 1 billion children and preventing more than 17.3 million deaths since 2000 .
African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA):
The forum also marked the launch of the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA), a $1 billion investment initiative over the next decade to enhance vaccine production in Africa. AVMA is designed to provide financial incentives for vaccine manufacturers, promote local production, and address the continent’s dependency on imported vaccines.
Addressing Global Health Inequities
The COVID-19 pandemic starkly highlighted global disparities in vaccine access, particularly in Africa, which produces only 0.1% of the world’s vaccines despite having 20% of the worldwide population. Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, underscored this inequity, stating, “The pandemic showed us that vaccine inequity is not just a health issue but a moral one. AVMA is a crucial step towards ensuring that Africa can meet its vaccine needs independently” .
Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, added, “AVMA will transform Africa’s ability to respond to health crises by establishing a robust vaccine manufacturing sector on the continent. This initiative aligns with our vision of producing 60% of Africa’s vaccine needs by 2040” .
Financial and Strategic Support
The European Commission, under the banner of Team Europe, announced a significant financial commitment to AVMA, contributing EUR 220 million, part of a broader EUR 800 million support package. European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, remarked, “Our support for AVMA is part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance health resilience in Africa. By fostering local production, we are investing in the continent’s future health security and economic growth” .
MAV+ Initiative:
Team Europe’s broader initiative, Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines, and Health Technologies (MAV+), aims to create a favorable environment for health product manufacturing in Africa. This initiative includes regulatory support, demand stimulation, and infrastructure development, with over EUR 2 billion already mobilized in grants and loans .
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
WHO’s Role and Perspective:
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the importance of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, currently under negotiation. The agreement aims to ensure equitable access to vaccines during public health emergencies. “The next pandemic is not a matter of if, but when. Equitable vaccine access must be at the heart of our global preparedness,” he stated.
Dr. Ghebreyesus also praised the AVMA, emphasizing its role in achieving the African Union’s vaccine production goals. He noted, “Expanding vaccine production in Africa through initiatives like AVMA is crucial for global health security. This effort will save lives and build economic resilience across the continent” .
Local Impact and Economic Growth:
On the ground, the effects of these initiatives are already being felt. Manufacturing facilities in South Africa, Rwanda, and Senegal are progressing, creating jobs and fostering local expertise. President Paul Kagame of Rwanda highlighted this impact: “Our partnership with AVMA and other international efforts is a game-changer. It is not just about vaccines but about economic transformation and creating a health-secure future for our citizens” .
Conclusion
The Global Forum for Vaccine Sovereignty and Innovation has set a decisive course toward a future where vaccine access is equitable and sustainable. Through initiatives like Gavi’s Investment Opportunity and the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator, the global community is taking significant steps to ensure that future health crises are met with robust, locally produced vaccine supplies.
As the forum concluded, leaders called for continued support and investment. “The success of these initiatives depends on sustained political will and financial commitment,” emphasized Dr. Nishtar. “We urge the global community to join us in this mission to protect our future.”
