Supporting the pharmaceutical and vaccine industry in Ghana
Context
Vaccines save lives. Africa’s substantial dependence on imports leaves the continent vulnerable.
Ghana imports all vaccines as well as most of its pharmaceutical products, which affects public health and puts a strain on the economy. However, local manufacturers lack the technology, and the skilled workers required to meet the demand for locally produced vaccines and pharmaceutical products.
The Government of Ghana has therefore launched an initiative to expand local production.
Objective
Ghana receives support in positioning itself as a hub of vaccine and pharmaceutical manufacturing in West Africa. This will boost the economy, create employment and provide the population with high quality, affordable pharmaceutical products.
Approach
The European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) are funding the programme. It is part of the Team Europe initiative on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies in Africa (MAV+), in which Europe supports African partners to boost local production. The programme works with Ghanaian and international partners such as public authorities, companies and research institutes. It focuses on four areas:
(1) supporting the Government of Ghana in improving the regulation and coordination of medicine and vaccine manufacturing, for example by providing advisory services
(2) developing and financing training programmes for skilled personnel based on the needs of the pharmaceutical industry
(3) supporting pharmaceutical and vaccine research and development by funding the projects of Ghanaian research institutions working with local manufacturers and international research centres
(4) supporting the private sector by providing advice and training, and by creating networks with international business partners.