Advancing vaccine manufacturing in Africa: a new era for immunisation programmes towards self-sufficiency

Despite Africa's impressive vaccination coverage gains over the previous half-century, the continent's reliance on imported vaccines revealed significant weaknesses in disease control, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Establishing a strong and long-lasting vaccine manufacturing infrastructure throughout the continent is essential to achieving health sovereignty and security. The prospects, difficulties, and tactical measures needed to improve vaccine manufacturing in Africa are highlighted in this commentary. Investing in capacity building to create industrial clusters, bolstering regulatory frameworks, and utilizing public-private partnerships are important components. The Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM), spearheaded by Africa CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) support offer blueprints for progress as well as guidelines for advancement. Improving immunisation programmes and getting ready for future public health emergencies depend heavily on achieving vaccine self-sufficiency.