Kenya backs African Union plan to boost local health product manufacturing

KENYA – Kenya has endorsed a new African Union (AU) initiative aimed at strengthening local production of essential health products in a significant move to enhance healthcare self-sufficiency.

The communiqué, adopted during the 2nd Vaccine and Other Health Products Manufacturing Forum in Cairo, Egypt, outlines strategies to improve access to vaccines, diagnostics, and medicines across the continent. ​

Leading Kenya’s delegation was Harry Kimtai, Principal Secretary for Medical Services. He joined regional leaders in supporting key commitments to bolster health security and reduce reliance on imports.

The initiative seeks to address challenges exposed during recent health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted Africa’s dependence on external sources for critical medical supplies. ​

Key components of the Communiqué

The endorsed plan introduces several mechanisms to facilitate local manufacturing: ​

• African Pooled Procurement Mechanism (APPM): Designed to enhance affordability and access by consolidating demand and negotiating better terms for health products. ​
• Platform for Harmonized African Health Manufacturing (PHAHM): An upgrade from the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM), aiming to promote self-reliance in health product manufacturing. ​
• Strengthening Regulatory Frameworks: Through the African Medicines Agency (AMA) and the African Medicines Regulatory Harmonization (AMRH), the plan seeks to ensure the quality and safety of locally produced health products. ​

Additionally, the communiqué supports the Gavi African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA), a US$ 1.2 billion initiative to boost vaccine production capacity on the continent. ​

Implications for Kenya

For Kenya, this endorsement aligns with ongoing efforts to develop a robust local pharmaceutical industry. By participating in these continental strategies, Kenya aims to: ​

• Enhance its capacity to produce essential health products domestically. ​
• Ensure a more reliable supply of medical goods, reducing vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions. ​
• Create job opportunities and stimulate economic growth within the health sector. ​

The initiative also emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the procurement of African-made vaccines and health products, providing a stable market for local manufacturers. ​

The AU’s plan calls for sustained investment in health manufacturing, development of skilled labor, and coordinated procurement strategies.