Africa seeks to produce 60pc of its vaccines by 2040

Vaccine.

A vaccine. Almost all the vaccines used on the African continent are imported. PHOTO | FILE | NMG

The African Union (AU) has announced the launch of a partnership to manufacture vaccines at five research centres to be built on the continent in the coming 15 years. The continent seeks to be able to manufacture 60 percent of its vaccines by 2040.

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the African Union Commission Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding to boost African vaccine research and development as well as manufacturing.