Africa CDC in Negotiations with Leading Local Drugmaker Aspen for Vaccine Supply

Africa’s top public health authority is in advanced discussions with Aspen Pharmacare Holdings to guarantee a sustained demand for vaccines produced on the continent. This initiative is part of efforts to reduce reliance on imports and enhance local manufacturing capabilities.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, along with Aspen, announced these talks on Tuesday during the Africa Forward Summit. The goal is to establish a multi-year demand and supply framework to facilitate sustainable vaccine production.

Despite consuming over a billion doses annually, Africa still imports the majority of its vaccines. The proposed partnership aims to provide manufacturers with clearer insights into future demand, addressing a critical barrier to investments in local production capacity.

The initial discussions will focus on priority vaccines, gradually increasing supply over time to potentially reach hundreds of millions of doses while establishing competitive and sustainable pricing.

“This initiative is aimed at transforming Africa’s aspirations in vaccine manufacturing into realizable market opportunities,” stated Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya.

For Aspen, the continent’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturer, these negotiations could rejuvenate its vaccine initiatives after setbacks during the Covid-19 pandemic when it faced challenges in securing orders despite its production capabilities.

CEO Stephen Saad mentioned that Aspen can enhance output from its Gqeberha facility on South Africa’s southern coast following significant investments, capitalizing on a supply network that delivers medicines to over 115 countries.

The two entities are also considering pooled procurement and funding mechanisms, including the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism, as part of broader strategies to develop a more self-sufficient healthcare system.

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