SK Bioscience, an innovative vaccine and biotech company, hosted a significant visit by H.E Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, on November 3, 2023.
Dr. Kaseya’s visit aimed to explore collaboration with the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM) and to foster partnerships for the expansion of vaccine production in Africa. The meeting took place at SK bioscience’s headquarters, marking a significant step toward enhancing vaccine manufacturing on the continent.
Dr. Jean Kaseya assumed the role of Director General of Africa CDC in February 2023. His visit to partners, such as SK bioscience, is part of his mission to build closer collaborations and partnerships in the field of African public health, with a particular focus on local vaccine manufacturing.
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Ambitious Goals of PAVM
The Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM) is an initiative established by the African Union (AU) in 2021. It sets forth ambitious goals to significantly increase the production and supply of vaccines within Africa. The PAVM aspires to manufacture and supply over 60 percent of the total vaccine doses required on the continent by 2040. Currently, less than 1 percent of these vaccines are produced in Africa. To achieve these objectives, interim targets of reaching 10 percent by 2025 and 30 percent by 2030 have been set.
Africa CDC envisions a comprehensive vaccine portfolio that can effectively respond to a range of diseases, including tuberculosis, hepatitis B, HIV, malaria, Ebola, and potential unknown infectious diseases, often referred to as “Disease X.” This ambitious plan involves forming strategic partnerships with global companies and the establishment of vaccine research and development (R&D) and manufacturing infrastructure, including local production facilities and cold chain logistics.
SK Bioscience’s ‘Glocalization Project’
SK bioscience introduced the ‘Glocalization Project’ as a core strategy with a mid to long-term vision. This initiative focuses on transferring research and development (R&D) and manufacturing capabilities to countries with limited vaccine infrastructure, aligning with the objectives of the PAVM. The project aims to address global vaccine supply inequalities and facilitate rapid responses to new pandemics.
As part of the ‘Glocalization Project,’ SK bioscience has entered into partnerships to strengthen vaccine infrastructure in various countries. In July, the company signed an agreement with the Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO), a state pharmaceutical enterprise in Thailand. In September, they formalized a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Republic of Serbia to establish a strategic partnership in vaccine development and manufacturing.
Following discussions, Dr. Kaseya and the visiting delegation had the opportunity to tour SK bioscience’s Research and Development (R&D) Center. This visit provided insights into the company’s vaccine development capabilities, furthering the understanding of their contributions to the PAVM’s goals.
Vision for Africa’s Public Health
Dr. Jean Kaseya expressed the significance of his visit, highlighting the importance of the ‘Glocalization Project’ in expanding vaccine manufacturing capabilities in Africa. He mentioned that Africa’s New Public Health Order calls for the expansion of vaccine, diagnostic, and therapeutic manufacturing. Dr. Kaseya emphasized the need for partnerships in research and development (R&D) to support the ambitious objectives of the PAVM.
Jaeyong Ahn, the CEO of SK bioscience, discussed the ‘Glocalization Project’ as an innovative business model that extends beyond establishing local manufacturing plants. He emphasized the project’s role in addressing vaccine supply inequalities and its potential to facilitate rapid responses to future pandemics. Through collaboration with governments, institutions, and companies, SK bioscience aims to take a lead role in preventing and responding to future health crises.
SK bioscience’s collaboration with Africa CDC and its commitment to the PAVM’s goals mark a significant step towards building local vaccine manufacturing capacity in Africa. This partnership holds the potential to make a substantial impact on public health and disease prevention in the region.
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About SK Bioscience
SK bioscience is an innovative vaccine and biotech company dedicated to vaccine development and manufacturing, with a mission to ensure equitable access to vaccines worldwide. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies, SK bioscience is committed to promoting human health, ranging from preventive measures to curative solutions, on a global scale. The company collaborates with domestic and international governments, regulatory agencies, healthcare providers, medical experts, and various stakeholders to provide high-quality vaccines and improve public healthcare solutions.
About Africa CDC
The African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is an autonomous public health agency of the African Union (AU). It supports member states in strengthening health systems, enhancing disease surveillance, improving emergency responses, and preventing and controlling diseases across the continent. Africa CDC plays a crucial role in advancing public health initiatives and addressing healthcare challenges in African nations.