South Africa was greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In future pandemics, the country aims to be better prepared. Although the government and its development partners invested heavily in securing vaccines, access to and demand for vaccines remained unequal among the population.
In a global comparison, Africa is particularly disadvantaged when it comes to vaccine access. Only one percent of the needed vaccines are produced there. The ongoing discussion about establishing independent vaccine production in Africa has thus gained significant political urgency. South Africa offers favorable conditions for this: excellent infrastructure, a good supply of qualified labor, and strong research capabilities.
Objective: Access to high-quality vaccines for all population groups in South Africa is improved.
Approach: The initiative contributes to alleviating the strain on the healthcare system and improving the success of the vaccination campaign. To achieve this, it works with national and decentralized healthcare teams. In collaboration with other organizations, it strengthens the expertise of key actors in vaccine development and production in South Africa, including companies in the value chain, leading universities, and government research institutes. Diagnostics and therapeutics are also supported by the EU.
The aim is to further develop the knowledge, skills, and networking of all stakeholders from business, science, administration, and politics—regionally, nationally, and internationally. At the same time, the initiative promotes the necessary government regulation of vaccine production through capacity-building measures.