USAID to maintain funding for Kenya’s vaccine production

GERMANY—The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will continue funding Kenya’s vaccine manufacturing initiatives, even though Kenya has achieved lower-middle-income status.

USAID’s Assistant Administrator for Global Health, Atul Gawande, reaffirmed this commitment during an interview with Capital FM at the 2024 International AIDS Conference in Munich.

Gawande highlighted that USAID has allocated funds to support manufacturing diagnostics, medicines, and vaccines in Kenya.

The aim is to bolster Kenya’s capacity in vaccine production through the Kenya BioVax Institute, which plans to formulate and package vaccines by 2029. This development is expected to make Kenya more self-sufficient in terms of public health.

Additionally, USAID has pledged to continue its donor funding for vaccine manufacturing in other African countries, aiming to boost vaccine production capacity across the continent.

These countries will also receive financial support from their governments and private investors, facilitated by their lower-middle-income status.

In his remarks, Gawande emphasized that Kenya has become an attractive destination for donor governments and international investors.

Although some investments may not yield the desired results, there has been a notable increase in funding directed towards Kenya’s manufacturing sector.

He noted that USAID is collaborating with the Kenyan government to strengthen primary healthcare systems and provide training and support to community health workers.

Gawande also mentioned that the US has partnered with the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) and the African Vaccine Alliance Accelerator to oversee vaccine companies that have received WHO prequalification.

These companies, including those producing oral routine vaccines, will be eligible for payments ranging from 20 to 50 million dollars, depending on the strength of their manufacturing capabilities.

This initiative aims to centralize vaccine production in Africa, providing financial incentives for companies to achieve WHO prequalification.

Moreover, Gawande highlighted the impact of global funding on Kenya’s healthcare outcomes.

Since the initiation of HIV and TB programs in 2000, Kenya’s life expectancy has increased to 72 years, compared to the US’s 78 years.

This progress underscores the importance of continued investment in healthcare infrastructure and services.

The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) and UNICEF have supported Kenya’s national vaccination program.

Since 2001, they have provided Kenya with at least KES 32 billion (US$ 248.06 million) annually. This financial support has been crucial in building a robust healthcare system and enhancing the country’s capacity to produce medicines and vaccines.