Rabat – The African Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has praised Morocco’s significant progress in the field of vaccine manufacturing. The praise came from the director of CDC Afrique, John Nkengasong, during the opening of the inaugural African Vaccine Manufacturers Market in Marrakech on Friday.
In remarks to the press, Nkengasong lauded Morocco as a “developed country with a proactive vision in the field of vaccine manufacturing.” He emphasized the North African country’s commitment to advancing vaccine production, saying this has been possible because of the effective leadership of King Mohammed VI.
The choice of Morocco to host this important event underscores the country’s leadership role in the African vaccine manufacturing landscape. Nkengasong emphasized Morocco’s capacity to mobilize stakeholders, fostering an environment where ideas and strategies can be exchanged for the betterment of the African continent.
He also hailed Morocco’s approach to vaccine manufacturing, notably through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, describing the model as a significant contributor to Morocco’s remarkable progress in the field. He expressed hope that Morocco’s efforts would lead to an expanded vaccine supply across the entirety of Africa.
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The event, co-organized by the African Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC Afrique), the Vaccine Alliance (GAVI), and the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, is scheduled to run until October 1.
To date, it has brought together key stakeholders from 13 African vaccine-producing nations, including African vaccine manufacturers, health ministries, financial institutions, and national pharmaceutical regulatory authorities. Its primary objective is to devise sustainable strategies for ongoing vaccine manufacturing projects.
The conference also aims to create a dynamic platform for collaboration between vaccine producers and buyers. Through discussions and consultations, participants are working towards structuring and strengthening the African market for vaccines and biomedical products.
Morocco’s hosting of the African Vaccine Manufacturers Market signals a significant milestone in the continent’s efforts to bolster its vaccine production capabilities.
