Building Africa's Health Security Through Local Manufacturing

By Robert Mutasi 

The recent decision of the African Union of supporting a number of bold pledgs meant to improve the health security of the continent is a turning point for the public health future of Africa. 

During the 2nd Vaccine and Other Health Products Manufacturing Forum held in Cairo, Egypt, the delegation from Kenya that led by Pruncipal Secretary for Mefical Services Harry Kimtai was instrumental in promoting these efforts. 

This initiative may help Africa in addressing its present health issues and set the stage for long-term self-sufficiency through domestic production of vaccines, diagnostics and pharmaceuticals. 

Some of the most important actions mentioned in the forum are upgrades to the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM) to the Platform for Harmonized African Health Manufacturing (PHAHM). 

A definite commitment to encouraging independence and lessening the continent's excessive reliance on imported vaccines and medical supplies is witnessed in this development. 

Establishment of local manufacturing can ensure more rapid and cost-effective access to essential health products during emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The creation of the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism (APPM) aims to increase affordability and accessibility. 

The strategy of Drnations combining their resources makes sure that no country is left behind in competition for vaccines and treatments. 

Africa must have the systems in place to effectively acquire vaccines and medications as one way of dealing with pandemics that are on the rise and possibility of future health crises. 

APPM pledges to provide fair access to the health products throughout the continent to avoid the suffering due to lack of resources.

The two organizations, The African Medicines Agency (AMA) and the African Medicines Regulatory Harmonization (AMRH) are equally important for strengthening regulatory frameworks. 

These initiatives are important to ensuring that the medications made on the continent are safe and effective according to international standards. 

Africa will acquire the confidence needed to promote and export its health products made in its own country abroad by executing these frameworks.