Kenya is taking a bold step toward becoming a continental leader in vaccine production through a newly established partnership with the International Vaccine Institute (IVI). A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on November 26 lays the groundwork for strengthening local vaccine manufacturing, advancing research, and boosting Africa’s public health infrastructure.
As part of the agreement, an IVI project office will be established in Kenya to spearhead vaccine production initiatives and foster innovation. The collaboration aligns with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s (Africa CDC) ambitious goal of increasing the continent’s vaccine production capacity from less than 1% to 60% by 2040.
Kenya’s Health Cabinet Secretary, Deborah Barasa, described the partnership as transformative for both Kenya and Africa. “This collaboration with the International Vaccine Institute marks a bold commitment to enhancing our vaccine manufacturing capabilities. It will not only improve health outcomes but also strengthen healthcare resilience and reduce reliance on external sources,” she said. Barasa added that the initiative is central to building a self-sustaining healthcare system and achieving Africa’s vaccine accessibility goals by 2025.
Dr Jerome Kim, IVI’s Director General, praised Kenya for its proactive approach to vaccine innovation and health security. “Kenya’s government and institutions have demonstrated remarkable leadership in advancing sustainable vaccine solutions. This partnership is fully aligned with Africa CDC’s vision of a self-reliant Africa in vaccine production,” he said.
Key Kenyan institutions such as the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and Kenya BioVax will play pivotal roles in the initiative, supporting clinical trials, strengthening disease surveillance, and training healthcare professionals. These efforts aim to improve vaccine access across Africa, bolster the continent’s resilience to future health crises, and accelerate Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
“This partnership goes beyond meeting local vaccine demand—it positions Kenya as a global leader in health innovation, enabling Africa to address its health challenges,” Barasa added.
Kenya’s role as host for the IVI Country Office and the Africa Vaccine Manufacturing Initiative (AVEC) Project Office underscores the country’s growing prominence as a regional hub for health innovation. The partnership not only reinforces Kenya’s leadership in vaccine manufacturing but also contributes significantly to global health security.
Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku
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