Page 27 - Bophelo - Edition Two | March 2025

The recent Mpox outbreak has ignited discussions Furthermore, the establishment of an mRNA vaccine
Empowering Africa: effectively to health crises. As the continent grapples toward self-sufficiency. This consortium, which includes
hub at Afrigen in Cape Town marks a significant step
around Africa’s capacity to produce vaccines and respond
SAMRC and Biovac, is focused on sharing technology and
with persistent health challenges such as Tuberculosis,
expertise with local manufacturers, ensuring that Africa is
Malaria, and HIV/AIDS, the spotlight is now on the urgent
need for local vaccine production facilities and a robust
initiatives demonstrate a growing recognition that Africa
scientific community to safeguard public health. better equipped to respond to future health crises. Such
The Imperative for Local Vaccine An Impact on Health must take charge of its health security by investing in
homegrown vaccine production.

Production in Response to the Historically, Africa has struggled with delayed access The fragmented state of immunology education in Africa
to new medicines and technologies, often reliant on poses another challenge. Many medical schools lack
Mpox Outbreak external sources for vaccines and treatments. The the necessary facilities and funding to produce qualified
COVID-19 pandemic starkly illustrated this vulnerability, professionals in the field. This has led to a reliance on
with many African nations facing significant challenges international education and training programs, which
in securing life-saving vaccines. The Mpox outbreak may not adequately prepare graduates for the unique
has underscored the necessity for African countries to health challenges faced in Africa. Philanthropic efforts,
build their infrastructure for vaccine development and such as those from the Chan Soon-Shiong Family
production. Foundation, have sought to bridge these gaps by
offering scholarships and support to aspiring researchers
in biomedical sciences.
The Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention
(Africa CDC) has emphasised the need for approximately Despite these initiatives, the road ahead remains complex.
10 million doses of Mpox vaccines to effectively manage The need for sustained investment in local scientific
the outbreak. However, as of now, only around 280,000 training and research institutions is critical for ensuring
doses are available, less than 3% of the required amount. that Africa can respond effectively to health emergencies.
This inequity in vaccine distribution is not an isolated Governments, funding agencies, and international
incident; it reflects a broader trend of affluent nations organisations need to collaborate in fostering an
hoarding vaccines, leaving many African countries in environment conducive to research and development.
precarious positions.
As the diseases continue to evolve, they serve as a
In response to these challenges, innovative collaborations clarion call for Africa to prioritise local vaccine production
have emerged within South Africa, highlighting the and invest in its scientific capacity. By empowering the
potential for local vaccine production. Institutions such as continent to produce its vaccines, Africa can not only
the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and enhance its ability to respond to current health crises but
the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) also build resilience against future pandemics.
are at the forefront of developing strategic partnerships
to enhance health research and innovation. One notable The conversation surrounding vaccine production in
example is the partnership between SAMRC and PATH, Africa is not merely an issue of health; it is a question
which resulted in the establishment of the Global Health of equity, self-determination, and the right to health for
Innovation Accelerator (GHIA). This initiative aims to all. The time has come for Africa to invest in its health
tackle the deficiencies in the health innovation system infrastructure and take charge of its health destiny,
in South Africa and strengthen the capacity for local ensuring that no community is left vulnerable to outbreaks
vaccine production. and diseases.

24 THE SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCILTHE SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL THE COMMUNITY ISSUE 25
24