The Government of Kenya and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish and operationalize the Advancing Vaccine End-to-End Capabilities in Africa (AVEC Africa) Project Office in Nairobi.
According to MoH the collaboration marks a major milestone in Kenya’s journey toward vaccine self-sufficiency and positions the nation as a hub for vaccine manufacturing and innovation in Africa.
“The AVEC Africa initiative aims to accelerate vaccine research, development, and manufacturing across the continent by leveraging existing institutions and expertise.”
The project aligns with the goals of the African Union and Africa CDC to increase local vaccine production and strengthen health security in the region.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, emphasized the significance of the partnership in addressing public health challenges.
“Today marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s commitment to advancing public health and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC),” Dr. Mlongo said adding that, “Through our collaboration with IVI, we are taking a bold step towards strengthening our local vaccine manufacturing capacity, improving health outcomes, and safeguarding our nation against future health crises.”
Dr. Mlongo further noted that by 2025, Kenya aims to not only meet local vaccine demand but also contribute to vaccine accessibility across the continent, reaffirming its leadership in health innovation in Africa.
Dr. Mulongo called for continued efforts to create a fully integrated vaccine ecosystem. “We must bridge the gap between research, regulatory approval, procurement, and implementation,” she said adding that, “Sustainable manufacturing is the ultimate goal, and respectful, action-oriented partnerships like this one are key to realizing that vision.”
The AVEC Africa Project Office will serve as a focal point for connecting and enhancing vaccine-related expertise across the continent.
AVEC Africa Project will collaborate with Kenyan public health organizations, including the Kenya BioVax Institute, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), and the Kenya Institute of Primate Research.
Dr. Mulongo highlighted the untapped capabilities of research institutions such as the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), and the Kenya BioVax Institute, which have been pivotal in advancing research, workforce training, and clinical trials which the partnership will advance.
“These institutions have demonstrated the untapped potential within our borders, showing that Kenya is ready to lead Africa in vaccine innovation,” Dr. Mulongo noted.
Dr. Jerome Kim, Director General of IVI, expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential. “With this MOU in place, we are excited to officially launch IVI’s Country and AVEC Africa Project Office in Nairobi. Together, we aim to activate end-to-end vaccine projects based on local and regional needs,” he said.
Dr. Douglas Shaffer, IVI’s Deputy Director General of Global Affairs and Acting Africa Regional Office Director, highlighted the importance of building a sustainable vaccine ecosystem.
“This project-driven network of partners will power an integrated vaccine ecosystem meeting the needs of Kenya, the region, and the continent,” Dr. Shaffer stated.
The decision to establish the AVEC Africa Project Office in Kenya follows Kenya’s accession as a State Party of IVI in May 2024. A flag-raising ceremony was held in Seoul in June, where President William Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to self-reliance in vaccine production.
President Ruto, who champions local manufacturing for the African Union, noted that Kenya’s enhanced vaccine availability would strengthen primary healthcare delivery and reduce dependency on external suppliers.
Kenya has made significant strides in its goal of becoming a regional hub for biomanufacturing and pharmaceuticals.
Recruitment for leadership roles in the AVEC Africa Project Office is underway, and a host country agreement is expected to be finalized soon.
The establishment of the AVEC Africa Project Office represents a critical step in ensuring vaccine equity and building resilience in health systems across Africa.
Kenya and IVI collaboration promises to enhance public health outcomes not just in Kenya but across the continent, paving the way for a self-sufficient and sustainable vaccine ecosystem.
Africa currently produces less than 1 percent of the vaccines it consumes, a challenge the partnership aims to address.
The Africa CDC has set an ambitious goal of increasing locally produced vaccines to 60percent by 2040.
