Increasing Vaccine Access for African Countries

Slowly but surely, China is becoming force to be reckoned with. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has certified China as a mass-producer of effective medical vaccines.

This development indicates significant progression on the international level, specifically for African countries in need of medical aid. According to the Mail & Guardian sources, Jean-Marie Okwo-Bele, the WHO’s director of vaccines, states:

“WHO is extremely excited about China’s involvement, and we’ve therefore made the immense investment in the country, particularly in terms of training. It will be fantastic to have another supplier from the developing world and this will hold immense advantages in terms of price and availability from which Africa will undoubtedly benefit.”

Following the certification of vaccines , a second step that will globalize the access of Chinese vaccine manufacturers within the WHO development will be the “prequalification status.” This will essentially allow Chinese anufacturers to supply free vaccine to UNICEF locations in developing countries. Since half of the vaccines of UNICEF are sponsored by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), two thirds of those vaccines will be supplied to African states, and the cheaper prices will enable for them to purchase more.

Aside from providing vaccine supplies, China continues to further expand their medical services in Africa by sending doctors to treat health matters.

Witnessing the overall economic and medical progression of a developing country initiates a different path that not only transcends preconceived notions, but it also inspires the rest of the world to overhaul their health strategies and monetary systems.

Similarly enough, South Africa aims to become a certified manufacturer of vaccines by the year 2013. Through a liaison between the government and Biovac Consortium, renovations are taking place. After such renovation, South Africa will work to also “prequalify” their vaccine within the next two years with WHO.

Sources: The Mail and The Guardian