To strengthen and improve quality access to medicines, diagnostics, and medical oxygen, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), in a strategic partnership with Unitaid, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance the manufacturing of health products in Africa.
Unitaid, established in 2006, is a global health organisation that helps people in low- and middle-income countries get fast access to new and affordable health products, with over 100 important tools provided.
This deal, which was signed during the 78th World Health Assembly, aims to improve a sustainable regional manufacturing system, positioning it as a central pillar of Africa’s health security and autonomy.
Despite struggling with 25 per cent of the global disease burden, Africa actively imports 95% of its pharmaceutical ingredients, with 70% of them being consumed.
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The health organisations stated that India has about 10,000 pharmaceutical production sites, and China has 5,000 sites, but the African continent accounts for only 600 health product manufacturing sites serving a population of 1.1 billion.
Targeting equitable access to pharmaceutical products, the partnership aims to leverage innovative technologies developed within and outside Africa in building capacity that will prioritise health products.
“These efforts will target key health priorities such as HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, hepatitis, cervical cancer, sexually transmitted infections, and other diseases and conditions – particularly those affecting women and children,” the statement noted.
Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of the Africa CDC, reiterated the goals of the partnership in building a resilient future for Africa with quality access to health products for African citizens.
Dr. Jean said, “Together with Unitaid, we are building on African expertise, expanding our regional manufacturing capacity, and strengthening our ability to produce essential health products reliably, affordably, and closer to where they are needed.”
The two partners’ strategic agreement focuses on tackling regulatory, financing, and market barriers limiting regional health production in Africa.
The collaboration aims to strengthen pandemic preparedness and ensure faster, more equitable access to essential health tools that are developed and manufactured within the continent.
“By expanding regional production, we can help reduce supply chain risks and ensure faster, more equitable access to lifesaving products while investing in industry development in the region,” said Dr. Philippe Duneton, Executive Director of Unitaid.
Guided by a shared action plan, the partnership will focus on innovation in diagnostics and treatments, improving local manufacturing, expanding access to medical oxygen, and advocating for African-led health solutions.
