In a groundbreaking move for Africa’s health security, Kenya has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), marking a major leap towards self-sufficiency in vaccine production and advancing the continent’s public health capabilities.
The MoU was officially signed at Afya House, signaling a shared commitment to addressing vaccine challenges across Africa.
Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah M. Barasa emphasized the significance of the partnership, aligning with the Africa CDC’s ambitious goal of producing 60% of the continent’s vaccines locally by 2040.
“This MoU is not just about vaccines; it’s about building a robust and equitable healthcare ecosystem that ensures all have access to the protection they need,” Dr. Barasa stated.
A major milestone of the agreement is Kenya’s selection as the host country for the IVI Country Office and the Advancing Vaccine End-to-End Capabilities (AVEC) Project Office.
This strategic move underscores Kenya’s leadership in health innovation and its growing role as a hub for vaccine production in Africa.
Dr. Jerome Kim, IVI Director General, hailed Kenya’s proactive approach, describing the partnership as “a bold step forward in advancing global health security through sustainable, innovative vaccine solutions.”
The collaboration builds on Kenya’s established strengths in vaccine research, with key institutions like the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and Kenya BioVax Institute leading efforts in clinical trials, disease surveillance, and workforce training.
This partnership not only advances vaccine access but also strengthens Kenya’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by fostering innovation and preparing for future health emergencies.
The event was attended by key health leaders, including Principal Secretary for Medical Services Mr. Harry Kimtai, Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, Kenya BioVax CEO Dr. Michael Lusiola, and KEMRI CEO.
The partnership promises to transform vaccine production capabilities, ensuring resilience and a brighter, healthier future for Kenya and Africa at large.
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