Egypt Aims to Become a Vaccine Hub for Africa by 2035
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Egypt is strategically positioning itself to become a major vaccine supplier for the African continent, with ambitious plans to manufacture 65% of its own vaccine needs by 2035. This initiative includes expanding local vaccine production capabilities and collaborating with international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the African diseases Control Center [1].
Boosting Local Vaccine Production
Dr. Hisham State, Chairman of the Egyptian Authority for Unified Purchase, Supply and Medical Supply, highlighted the country’s commitment to enhancing its vaccine manufacturing capacity.Speaking at the closing ceremony of the African Health Conference, Dr. State revealed that Egypt has six vaccine manufacturing facilities at different stages of development. Some are already operational, while others are expected to begin production as early as 2026, with further projects planned to commence in 2027.
Did You Know? the global vaccine market is projected to reach $92.96 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 9.3% [2].
National vaccination Program goals
Egypt’s national vaccination program aims to cover 10 diseases with domestically produced vaccines by 2035. The country requires approximately 65 million vaccine doses annually to meet the program’s needs. This strategic move towards self-sufficiency is expected to substantially reduce reliance on foreign imports and ensure a stable supply of essential vaccines for the Egyptian population.
International Collaboration and Support
the WHO is actively involved in evaluating Egypt’s vaccines, with the potential for export to other African nations. This collaboration underscores Egypt’s growing role in addressing the continent’s healthcare needs. Furthermore, the African Diseases Control Center is working with Egypt to establish strategic vaccine storage facilities, leveraging Egypt’s expertise in unified purchasing to support similar initiatives across africa.
Pro Tip: Investing in robust cold chain infrastructure is crucial for maintaining vaccine efficacy during storage and transportation.
mRNA Technology Transfer
Egypt has been selected by the WHO as one of six countries in Africa to receive mRNA technology transfer, marking a significant step towards developing advanced vaccine production capabilities. An Egyptian company is currently in the process of acquiring this technology, which will enable the country to produce cutting-edge mRNA vaccines for various diseases.
Strategy and Implementation
Dr. Hisham Badr, Vice President of the Egyptian Purchase Authority, noted that the strategy to localize the vaccine industry in Egypt was launched in November 2024 and has as been actively implemented at the level of local manufacturers. The ultimate goal is to manufacture 65% of the country’s vaccine needs locally by 2035, driven by political vision and support from government agencies, including the Unified Purchase Authority, the Center for African Diseases, the Medicine Authority, and the Preventive Medicine Sector at the Ministry of Health and Population.
| goal | Target Date | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacture 65% of vaccine needs locally | 2035 | Expand local production, technology transfer, international collaboration |
| Cover 10 diseases with local vaccines | 2035 | National vaccination program, research and development |
| Establish strategic vaccine storage | Ongoing | Collaboration with African Diseases Control Center |
The digital change technology, tested for a period with vaccines, is especially important, considering that 15% of their energy is used for refrigerated chains.
Evergreen Insights: Background, Context, Past Trends
Vaccine production has historically been concentrated in a few developed nations, creating challenges for equitable access, particularly in developing countries. Egypt’s initiative aligns with a global push for decentralized vaccine manufacturing to enhance pandemic preparedness and ensure a more resilient supply chain. The transfer of mRNA technology represents a significant leap, as these vaccines offer faster development times and greater adaptability to emerging variants.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What impact will this have on healthcare in Africa?
- This initiative will improve access to vaccines and strengthen healthcare infrastructure across the continent.
- How will egypt ensure the quality of locally produced vaccines?
- Stringent quality control measures and collaboration with international organizations like the WHO will ensure vaccine safety and efficacy.
What are your thoughts on Egypt’s plan to become a vaccine hub? How can other countries contribute to global vaccine equity?
Disclaimer: This article provides information about Egypt’s vaccine production plans and is not intended to provide medical or health advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for any health concerns.
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