Ghana has undertaken a strategic initiative to boost local production of vaccines and essential medicines through the new Vax & Pharm-Ghana Project.
The initiative which is a partnership between the Government of Ghana, the WHO, and the European Union, is aimed at reducing the country’s heavy reliance on imports.
Currently, about 70% of all medicines in Ghana are imported with no local production of human vaccines. The Vax & Pharm-Ghana Project supports the country’s 10-year vaccine manufacturing roadmap designed to strengthen health security, expand pharmaceutical manufacturing, and advance the country toward Universal Health Coverage and the UN Sustainable Development Goal on good health and well-being.
At the launch, the WHO Country Representative Dr. Fiona Braka called the project “a defining moment for Ghana and Africa,” noting that while the continent hosts 25% of global vaccine demand, it produces only 0.1% of the supply.
She said this dependence “cannot continue,” and praised the project for aligning with the WHO’s regional framework to improve local production and regulatory systems.
‘‘The Vax & Pharm-Ghana Project is a defining moment for Ghana and for Africa’s health security. It reflects a shared vision of strong government leadership working hand in hand with international partners and the private sector to ensure that essential medicines and vaccines are within everyone’s reach.
Currently, 70 – 80% of our medicines are still imported, and although Africa represents a quarter of global vaccine demand, we produce only 0.1% of the world’s supply. This level of dependence simply cannot continue.’’ She said.
Rune Skinnebach, Ambassador of the European Union in Ghana noted that the Team Europe Initiative, is also providing investment and technical support, backing Africa’s target to produce 60% of its vaccines locally by 2040.
‘‘Since 2021, team Europe has expanded its financial support for Ghana’s pharmaceutical and vaccine sector, raising contributions from EUR 3 million with an initial focus on strengthening the Food and Drugs Authority with nearly EUR 50million which now encompasses support for enabling environments for pharmaceutical products and health technologies.’’ He said.
The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Vaccine Institute (NVI) Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey says the Vax & Pharm-Ghana Project marks a major step toward national self-reliance, improved health security, and a stronger pharmaceutical industry capable of serving both Ghana and the region.
The project will run for 24 months with a total budget of 1million euros.
