In a strategic move reflecting shifting dynamics in global vaccine demand, Moderna, a leading biotechnology company, has announced a pause on its plans to establish a vaccine manufacturing facility in Kenya. The decision follows a post-pandemic decline in demand for COVID-19 vaccines, prompting Moderna to reassess its manufacturing strategy to optimize costs.
Modern's decision aligns with its broader initiative to resize its manufacturing network while maintaining a focus on research and development. The company is projected to invest approximately $4.5 billion this year alone in R&D, targeting diseases such as cancer, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), HIV, and malaria, leveraging messenger RNA (mRNA) technology.
However, the suspension of Moderna's plans represents a significant setback for Africa's ambition to reduce dependence on vaccine imports. Moderna had pledged to invest $500 million in the Kenyan facility and supply up to 500 million doses of mRNA vaccines annually to Africa. Yet, the company cited a waning global demand for COVID-19 vaccines, with no vaccine orders for the continent since 2022.
In response, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) expressed disappointment, highlighting the complexities underlying the decline in vaccine demand and global inequities in distribution. Despite efforts like the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT), less than 5% of COVID-19 vaccines administered in Africa were sourced from Moderna.
Africa CDC reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a local vaccine manufacturing ecosystem through initiatives like the Partnership for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM), urging Moderna to support Africa's health security goals. As Moderna reevaluates its strategy, the future of vaccine production in Africa remains a critical topic for global health equity and pandemic preparedness.
Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku
Photo/Google
Comment