Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population, highlighted Egypt’s commitment to localizing the production of pharmaceutical products, especially vaccines, by leveraging global expertise and successful experiences. This strategy aims to achieve self-sufficiency in vaccine production, reduce dependence on imports, and improve the country’s health and economic status. It also opens opportunities for exporting to African nations, further strengthening Egypt’s regional and international standing.
This statement was made during the closing session of the Second Forum on Vaccine and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing in Africa, organized in collaboration with the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the Unified Procurement Authority, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi), and the Regional Vaccine Manufacturing Cooperation Project.
Dr. Abdel Ghaffar emphasized that Egypt holds a significant position in the pharmaceutical industry, with vast potential and strong export capabilities. The country boasts key entities like the Egyptian Drug City “Gepeto Pharma” and the Holding Company for Biological Products and Vaccines “VACSERA,” which play a crucial role in Egypt’s success in advancing its health system, particularly in localizing the pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing sectors.
He further acknowledged the joint efforts between the Ministry of Health and Population, the Africa CDC, and Gavi in creating a large African market that will meet the continent’s needs for high-quality, effective, and safe vaccines and medical supplies.
Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, noted that the forum’s sessions focused on coordinating sustainable efforts for vaccine manufacturing in Africa, monitoring progress, and identifying key factors to enhance African vaccine production. Discussions also covered gaps and challenges in meeting the African Union’s goals for local vaccine production and reviewed strategic plans to support the manufacturing of diagnostic and therapeutic products in the continent.
Additionally, the forum explored the pivotal role of the Egyptian Vaccine Manufacturing Alliance (EVMA) in facilitating technology transfer and partnerships, positioning Egypt as a leader in vaccine manufacturing in Africa. Egypt already owns more than 20% of vaccine production facilities across the continent, developing its infrastructure to attract investment and enhance local production capabilities.
Dr. Abdel Ghaffar also shared success stories and addressed current challenges in vaccine manufacturing, discussing the efforts of the World Health Organization (WHO) to bolster vaccine production in Egypt and surrounding regions. He emphasized the importance of innovative partnerships like EVMA to expand regional cooperation and attract investments from both local and international manufacturers.
Dr. John Kasia, Director-General of the Africa CDC, praised Egypt’s role as an inspiration and cornerstone of the global vaccine manufacturing alliance for ensuring access to vaccines across Africa. He highlighted the ongoing collaboration between Gavi, the Africa CDC, and other stakeholders to ensure the success and impact of the alliance, stressing that mutual recognition and cooperation between organizations like the WHO, African Union (NEPAD AMRH), and national regulatory bodies are vital to expand vaccine production capabilities.
