Rabat – Today at the World Vaccine Summit, the European Union (EU) and its member states announced a substantial €750 million ($830 million) contribution to support the launch of the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA). The summit was co-hosted by France, the African Union (AU) and the Vaccine Alliance.
AVMA, a collaborative effort between GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, and the African Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), is poised to receive over €750 million over the next decade.
This includes nearly €220 million directly from the EU budget. The initiative’s primary objective is to strengthen Africa’s ability to respond to future health crises by stimulating domestic vaccine production.
The €750 million commitment is expected to facilitate the purchase of over 800 million vaccine doses produced in Africa. This not only enhances the continent’s health security but also fosters long-term benefits, according to a statement from the European Commission.
“The AVMA is an innovative instrument that will improve predictability for African-made vaccines,” the Commission stated.
This initiative is designed to not only support the sustainable growth of Africa’s manufacturing base but also aligns with the AU’s ambitious goal of producing a majority of the vaccines needed by African countries within the continent.
A critical component of the AVMA is a €1 billion allocation to support vaccine manufacturers. These funds aim to mitigate the high initial costs associated with vaccine production and guarantee a minimum level of demand, incentivizing companies to enter the market.
The initiative also seeks to diversify the global vaccine supply chain, with a target of at least four new African vaccine manufacturers establishing a sustainable presence.
The EU, along with member states like France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Luxembourg, are the leading contributors to the AVMA.
This initiative complements the existing Team Europe program (MAV+), which focuses on facilitating vaccine, medicine, and health technology production and access in Africa.
The AVMA’s launch signifies a potential turning point for Africa’s healthcare sector. By bolstering domestic vaccine production capabilities, the initiative holds promise for increased self-sufficiency and improved response mechanisms for future health challenges.
