After facing months of delay, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has finally received the first sets of mpox vaccines donated by Western countries. The DRC is currently at the epicentre of a new mpox outbreak that has resulted in over 20,000 cases and more than 500 deaths. However, neither the DRC nor other African nations produce these vaccines, leading to a heavy reliance on donation promises from abroad. Japan and Denmark are the only countries with mpox vaccine manufacturers, and countries like the EU and the US have recently stepped in to provide doses to the DRC.
The vaccine dilemma faced by the DRC reflects a larger issue in Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic, where rich countries monopolized vaccine supplies. This “vaccine nationalism” approach inhibited a more effective global response to the pandemic. African nations have a limited capacity for vaccine production, with fewer than 10 manufacturers on the continent. These manufacturers face challenges in scaling up production to meet the demands of disease emergencies due to financial and technical obstacles.
Several African countries are actively producing vaccines, such as Afrigen, Biovac, AspenPharma, and Institut Pasteur, among others. These manufacturers are working to develop COVID-19 vaccines and engage in licensing deals with international pharmaceutical companies. However, challenges remain in terms of market readiness, regulatory processes, and quality standards. Some African companies are collaborating with international partners to enhance their production capabilities and share technologies through technology transfer agreements.
African countries mostly rely on organisations like the WHO, UNICEF, and GAVI to obtain vaccines during emergencies. The COVAX initiative, established during the COVID-19 pandemic, aimed to provide vaccines to poorer countries funded by wealthier nations. However, this initiative faced operational challenges and delays in vaccine distribution. The global vaccine market has been characterized by inequities that have been exacerbated by the pandemic, with poorer countries often left at a disadvantage.
To address the vaccine production gap in Africa, countries are working towards increasing local manufacturing capacity. The African Union has set a goal for the continent to produce 60% of its vaccines by 2040. While some African nations like Kenya are making efforts to kickstart production, challenges remain in securing funding, building facilities, and ensuring regulatory compliance. African manufacturers are encouraged to focus on filling and finishing operations initially before expanding their production capabilities.
Overall, the push for increased vaccine production in Africa requires a sustained commitment from governments, investors, and international partners to address financial, technical, and regulatory challenges. By prioritizing funding for research and development, enhancing production capacity, and fostering collaboration, African countries can work towards achieving greater self-sufficiency in vaccine production and ensuring timely access to essential vaccines during health crises.
