Ghana hits milestone in local vaccine production – National Vaccine Institute CEO

Ghana has made a significant breakthrough in local vaccine manufacturing. This achievement marks a turning point for health sovereignty in Africa.

Dr. Sodzi Sodzi Tettey, CEO of the National Vaccine Institute (NVI), spoke at the 9th J.E.A. Mills Leadership Lecture. He announced that the Food and Drugs Authority has approved DEKOKA Life Sciences Group to produce anti-snake venom serums locally.

“This is significant,” Dr. Tettey said. The manufacturing process has passed safety and quality tests. It is also the first affordable, multi-species-targeted anti-serum produced in Ghana.

This development supports the African Union's goal of producing 60% of vaccines locally by 2040. Currently, Africa only manufactures one percent of its vaccines.

Dr. Tettey emphasized Ghana’s public-private partnership model. Two companies, DEKOKA Life Sciences and EphA Vaccines Ltd, will lead local manufacturing efforts.

The NVI is facilitating technology transfer partnerships with global institutions. They are collaborating with the European Union, GIZ, and the World Bank to enhance capacity.

“This is a modest but vital beginning,” Dr. Tettey noted. The NVI is committed to advancing vaccine research, development, and production in Ghana.