Egypt unveils national strategy to boost vaccine production

EGYPT —Egypt has unveiled a national strategy to localize vaccine production, aiming to reduce dependency on imports, bolster local manufacturing, and establish itself as a leading vaccine exporter in the region.

This ambitious plan is expected to strengthen the country’s healthcare sector, stimulate economic growth, and expand its export footprint in African markets, solidifying Egypt’s role as a regional and global leader in vaccine production. 

Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, speaking at a meeting with representatives from global companies in India, China, France, Denmark, and the United States, emphasized that the strategy aligns with Egypt Vision 2030.

It is being implemented through a collaborative effort between public and private sectors, overseen by key institutions like the Ministry of Health, the Unified Procurement Authority (UPA), and the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA). 

A cornerstone of the initiative is the creation of the Egyptian Vaccine Manufacturers Alliance (EVMA), which will serve as the primary entity for executing the strategy.

The plan prioritizes several key objectives, including securing long-term supply contracts, providing financial incentives like tax exemptions, and encouraging cooperation among local manufacturers to avoid unhealthy competition. 

In the short term, the government aims to localize 50% of vaccine production by 2030. This involves transferring technology through international agreements and obtaining World Health Organization (WHO) approval for four vaccines.

By 2035, medium-term goals include increasing local production to 75% and fostering research partnerships to develop and approve additional vaccines. 

The ultimate vision for 2040 is to achieve complete self-sufficiency in vaccine production, transforming Egypt into a regional hub for manufacturing and exporting vaccines.

 This includes plans to boost exports by 50% and tap into new markets, further strengthening the country’s economic position. 

To support these goals, the program will invest in building vaccine industry capacity, training human resources, and creating job opportunities.

 Economic partnerships will also play a vital role in maximizing the benefits of government procurement and supporting local businesses.  

Progress will be monitored through regular reports and field visits to evaluate the economic and social impact of these efforts, ensuring the strategy’s success and sustainability.

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