Ghana’s Minister of Health visits AVMI on a fact-finding mission on vaccine manufacturing

 The African Vaccine Manufacturing Initiative (AVMI) hosted the Minister of Health for Ghana, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, and his delegation on Monday, August 12, 2024, in what was described as a fact-finding mission to observe vaccine development and manufacturing operations in Cape Town, South Africa. This significant visit aimed at highlighting South Africa’s vaccine production capabilities and discussing potential areas of partnership between Ghana and South Africa to enhance vaccine accessibility and healthcare infrastructure.

The high-level Ghanaian delegation visited two local South African companies – the biopharmaceutical company, Biovac, and biotechnology company, Afrigen Biologics & Vaccines – to explore their state-of-the-art facilities, research and development labs, production lines, and quality assurance departments.  “The Government of Ghana is committed fully in supporting the African manufacturing initiative and  supporting all stakeholders that are on this path of building capacity in the continent,” said Minister Okoe Boye.

The visit follows the recent announcement of a €32 million initiative by the European Union (EU) to enhance vaccine production in Ghana. Executive Director of AVMI and CEO of the National Vaccine Institute in Ghana, Prof William Ampofo, expressed optimism that the global initiative would create a conducive environment for local vaccine production.

“There is a pressing need to strengthen public-private partnerships to support the vaccines industry. The visit aims to enhance collaboration between the two countries, focusing on opportunities for knowledge exchange and capacity building as well as advancing public health and biotechnological innovation,” Prof Ampofo added.

The 11-member delegation included representatives from the Ghanaian Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, the Food and Drugs Authority, vaccine manufacturing companies, and experts from local research institutes. AVMI represents more than 18 manufacturers on the continent and with the support of Africa CDC, has positioned itself as the voice of the African vaccine manufacturing industry.