Scaling medicine manufacturing in Africa

In a bid to boost local production and reduce dependency on global supply chains, Africa CDC is actively supporting partnerships, technology transfer, and investments in infrastructure to enhance vaccine production capacity. CNBC Africa's Flora Limukii recently interviewed Lucy Mazaba Mazyanga, the Regional Director for Eastern Africa RCC at AFRICA CDC, to shed more light on the issue of scaling medicine manufacturing in Africa. During the interview, Mazaba highlighted the critical elements necessary for developing a resilient health system for public health security on the continent. She emphasized the importance of being able to quickly identify and respond to health crises due to the reoccurrence of diseases like cholera, Mpox, and Ebola. Mazaba stressed that strengthening health systems to detect, confirm, and respond to emergencies is key to building resilience in African countries. Africa CDC has been working on various initiatives to support member states in this endeavor. One of the key initiatives is the development of specialized entities such as National Public Health Institutes to focus on public health security. These entities serve as centers of excellence with trained personnel, tools for data collection, and systems for a rapid response to health emergencies. Africa CDC is assisting member states in establishing these entities either as standalone bodies or departments within Ministry of Health structures. Another crucial focus area is building capacities for diagnosing health issues promptly. Mazaba referenced the Marburg outbreak in Rwanda, where delays in diagnosis led to the disease spreading among healthcare workers. Africa CDC is working to enhance diagnostic capabilities in member states to enable swifter responses to outbreaks. Additionally, Africa CDC is advocating for local manufacturing of medical supplies to ensure timely access to therapeutics and diagnostics during emergencies. By promoting local financing and production, African countries can mitigate reliance on external sources during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic or the recent Marburg outbreak in Rwanda. Mazaba stressed the need for proactive preparedness in the face of unprecedented health challenges. Rather than waiting for emergencies to occur, healthcare systems should position themselves as solution-based sectors. She emphasized the importance of tailored approaches at the country level, considering each nation's unique challenges and requirements. Mazaba highlighted the significance of localization in implementing guidelines and strategies to strengthen health systems in Africa. In conclusion, Mazaba underscored the importance of refocusing and strategizing based on lessons learned from past health crises. By prioritizing local production, building diagnostic capacities, and adopting tailored approaches to address diverse needs, African countries can enhance their resilience to future pandemics and health emergencies. Through collaborative efforts and investments in health infrastructure, Africa is working towards a more self-sufficient and prepared healthcare ecosystem.