The European Union (EU) has unveiled an additional €32 million investment to enhance Ghana’s vaccine manufacturing capabilities.
This initiative, termed the ‘special measure,’ aims to foster an enabling environment and a thriving ecosystem for developing a skilled workforce in the domestic vaccine production sector.
It also seeks to facilitate technology transfer and the exchange of best practices between Ghana and EU member-states.
Supported by €1 billion from the EU budget and European development finance institutions, such as the European Investment Bank (EIB), under the EU’s Global Gateway, this initiative is part of the Team Europe initiative on manufacturing and access to vaccines, medicines, and health technologies in Africa (MAV+).
The EU Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, highlighted the commitment to work together with Ghana to ensure optimal quality in vaccine production.
“This is one of several mechanisms the EU is rolling out in Ghana and across Africa to support local manufacturing of vaccines. The EU’s focus is to work together with Ghana to ensure optimal quality in the production of vaccines, and we have been delivering on this promise.”
The EU’s previous support includes a €5 million seed grant to the vaccine-manufacturing unit at DEK Vaccine Limited and a project, in collaboration with the German Development Cooperation, to upgrade the vaccine licensing capacity of the Food and Drugs Authority.
Razaaly emphasized the EU’s ability to adapt to emerging needs, showcasing the impact of strong government commitment in attracting additional support from development partners.
The EU plans to build on existing initiatives, support manufacturers, strengthen the regulatory environment, create partnerships on research and development, and facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technology.
He commended Ghana’s progress in achieving vaccination goals outlined in its ambitious roadmap, expressing optimism that, with the support of Team Europe and other key partners, the country’s goal to graduate from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, by 2029 will become a reality.