The Grand Public Lecture and Panel Discussion on “Vaccine Research and Development, and Manufacturing in Africa: IVI’s Experience and Potential Collaboration with Ethiopia and Beyond ” took place on October 03/2023 in Addis Ababa. Esteemed experts and leaders in the field gathered at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to engage in a crucial discussion on vaccine research, development, and manufacturing in Africa. The event commenced with a warm welcome speech by Professor Afewerk, the Director General of AHRI, which set the stage for the insightful discussions that followed.
Dr. Jerome Kim, the Director General of the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), delivered a comprehensive lecture that shed light on IVI’s initiatives in Africa and beyond. He introduced an innovative proposal for the establishment of the Africa Vaccine Alliance (AVA), which aims to create a robust vaccine ecosystem across the African continent. This ecosystem would involve various stakeholders such as governments, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and international organizations who are all dedicated to advancing vaccine research and development.
Dr. Markos Abebe, Lead Scientist at AHRI & Chair of the National Vaccine Manufacturing Taskforce, presented on Ethiopia’s initiative to establish local vaccine manufacturing. He outlined the progress made thus far and emphasized the need for support in terms of technology transfer and capacity building.
The panel discussion moderated by Dr. Alemseged Abdissa, deputy director general of AHRI, featured key leaders and representatives from organizations including IVI, the Ministry of Health Ethiopia, EFDA, AHRI, PAVM, and the African CDC. The panelists engaged in discussions surrounding topics such as better preparedness for epidemics caused by vaccine-preventable diseases, regulatory processes for vaccine manufacturing, and the role of the private sector in vaccine production.
The Grand Public Lecture and Panel Discussion provided valuable insights into vaccine research and development as well as manufacturing in Africa. It underscored the significance of collaboration and innovation in advancing vaccine development on the continent.