In a ground-breaking initiative to strengthen access to vaccines, medicines and medical technologies in Africa, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the Team Europe Initiative on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Medical Technologies (“MAV+”) collaborated on an ambitious initiative. result? A two-week study tour of Germany and Belgium will take place in September 2024, bringing together African medical experts to explore Europe’s vaccine and medicine ecosystem.
The tour was attended by 17 health experts representing five African Union member countries, regional economic communities and the Africa CDC. Each participant was selected based on their work in supporting vaccine production and health products in Africa. The partnership between Africa CDC and the Team Europe Initiative on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies (MAV+) aims to develop sustainable biomanufacturing capacity and foster deeper cooperation between the two continents. Masu.
We are grateful for the support and resources you have provided and look forward to applying what we have learned to help advance vaccine production in Africa.
Participants interacted with a wide range of stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, from research and development institutions such as Germany’s Deutsche International Cooperation Agency (GIZ) and Belgium’s Enabel, to regulatory authorities and the European Commission. The tour provided a unique opportunity to build connections, advocate for investment in Africa’s health infrastructure, and lay the foundation for future collaborations.
This session sparked thinking and discussion among Africa CDC colleagues about how we, as an organization and a continent, can leverage on the work being done in Europe. Strengthening north-south partnerships can contribute to our goal of sustainable local manufacturing.
The study tour had a clear purpose.
Applying lessons learned from European private sector practices, R&D institutions and development partners to build a sustainable biomanufacturing ecosystem in Africa. To raise awareness in Europe of Africa’s progress and continued efforts in local health product manufacturing. To strengthen ties between Africa and Europe as a whole. and foster greater integration of activities at national, regional and continental levels in Africa.
This study tour is just one of many collaborative activities between Africa CDC and the Team Europe initiative MAV+ to promote sustainable manufacturing and improve access to vaccines and medicines in Africa. With active participation from various institutions and individuals, this partnership lays a strong foundation for continued collaboration and knowledge sharing in the coming months and years.
