By Raymond Rex Awiagah
Background
The inaugural Steering Committee meeting of the PharmaVax Ghana Programme has taken place in Accra.
PharmaVax Ghana Rational
This forms part of interventions to support Ghana’s efforts to enhance its pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing capabilities. The programme is co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), with a funding commitment of €33 million. The programme runs from July 2024 to March 2028.
Point of view by EU Ambassador to Ghana
In a keynote address at the event, the EU Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Irchad Razaaly, emphasized the critical role of PharmaVax Ghana in advancing the country’s pharmaceutical sector.
“Today’s meeting marks a decisive step in this direction. PharmaVax is part of the Special Measure on MAV+ for Ghana, and therefore forms an essential element of the Global Gateway investment package for Africa. The Global Gateway Strategy in Ghana strengthens health systems through investments in vaccine manufacturing, infrastructure, and skills development” He stated.
PharmaVax Ghana investment
H.E. Irchad Razaaly, said with an investment of €33 million funded by the European Union and the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), PharmaVax, implemented by GIZ, is a commitment to helping Ghana emerge as a regional hub for vaccine and pharmaceutical production.
He added “It reflects our collective determination to strengthen health systems, enhance local capacities, and contribute to global equity in medicines and vaccines. This builds on earlier investments, including a €3 million project to enhance Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority’s regulatory capacity for overseeing vaccine manufacturing”
Ghana’s progress on PharmaVax
H.E. Irchad Razaaly praise Ghana for the notable progress with initiatives such as the roadmap for vaccine development, the National Vaccine Policy, the National Vaccine Institute, and strengthening its FDA.
“The European Union recognizes the complexity of this journey. This is why we have adapted flexibly to the priorities set by the Government of Ghana. The additional €32 million allocated through the MAV+ Special Measure last year - funding which comes on top of our bilateral envelope - reflects our commitment to addressing these challenges. Of this, €23.1 million is funding the project that brings us here today”.
GIZ’s point of view on PharmaVax
Dr Dirk Aßmann, Country Director of GIZ Ghana, added, "PharmaVax Ghana is a testament to our shared commitment to empower local manufacturers, advance research, and establish rigorous regulatory standards, positioning Ghana as a leader in African pharmaceutical production."
Reaction from Head of PharmaVax Ghana
Dr. Holger Till, Head of PharmaVax Ghana, noted that, "This project is not just about building pharmaceutical companies; it is about creating sustainable ecosystems that foster innovation, job creation, and self-reliance in Ghana’s healthcare system."
The Participants at PharmaVax Event
The meeting brought together key stakeholders- including government ministries, industry associations, regulatory bodies, and universities to discuss the programme's goals and its role in enhancing Ghana's pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing ecosystem.
About PharmaVax Ghana
The PharmaVax Ghana project is being implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and will focus on four strategic goals: (i) improving the capacities of public actors for governance and regulation of pharmaceutical production, (ii) supporting skills development of the pharmaceutical workforce, (ii) promoting applied research and development through cooperation of the pharmaceutical and research institutions and (iv) private sector development to strengthen manufacturers’ production capacities and market access.
PharmaVax Ghana key implementers
The project involves the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Trade and Industry, and the National Vaccine Institute, along with the Food and Drugs Authority, local manufacturers, private sector associations, and research institutions. It will also foster key links with African, European, and global research institutions and companies.
PharmaVax Ghana is part of the Team Europe Initiative on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies in Africa (MAV+). This initiative is a flagship of the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy.