Okoe Boye: Health Minister in South Africa to explore vaccine production collaboration
The Minister of Health, Bernard Okoe Boye, led a delegation to South Africa on Monday, August 12, for a strategic fact-finding mission aimed at strengthening vaccine production and accessibility across Africa.
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IOL reports that the visit was organized by the African Vaccine Manufacturing Initiative (AVMI) and focused on enhancing collaboration between Ghana and South Africa to bolster healthcare infrastructure on the continent.
During the visit, the Ghanaian team toured two leading South African companies, Biovac and Afrigen Biologics & Vaccines, to observe their advanced facilities, including research and development laboratories, production lines, and quality control departments. These companies are at the forefront of vaccine development in Africa.
Expressing Ghana's commitment to the initiative, Dr. Okoe Boye stated, "The Government of Ghana is fully committed to supporting the African manufacturing initiative and working with all stakeholders to build capacity across the continent."
The visit aligns with a recent announcement by the European Union (EU) of a €32 million initiative to boost vaccine production in Ghana, underscoring the growing international support for Africa's vaccine manufacturing sector.
Professor William Ampofo, Executive Director of AVMI and CEO of Ghana’s National Vaccine Institute, highlighted the importance of the visit, emphasizing the need for strengthened public-private partnerships in the vaccine industry. "This visit is crucial for enhancing collaboration between our two countries, focusing on knowledge exchange, capacity building, and advancing public health and biotechnological innovation," Prof. Ampofo said.
The Ghanaian delegation, comprising 11 members, included representatives from the ministries of health and finance, the Food and Drugs Authority, vaccine production companies, and research institutes.
AVMI, representing over 18 vaccine manufacturers across Africa and supported by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, has emerged as a key player in advocating for the continent's vaccine production capabilities.
