The Ministry of Health (MoH), in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU) in Ghana, has launched the Vax & Pharm Ghana Project, a major initiative aimed at strengthening local vaccine and pharmaceutical production.
The project, officially titled “Strengthening Vaccines and Pharmaceuticals Production in Ghana,” supports the country’s 10-year National Vaccine Manufacturing Roadmap and aligns with the African Union’s target to locally produce 60% of Africa’s vaccines by 2040.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Health, the Chief Director of the Ministry, Desmond Boateng, stressed the urgent need for Ghana to build self-reliance, noting that the country currently imports more than 70% of its medicines and 99% of the vaccines used nationwide.
“Health security cannot be outsourced. Access to essential medicines and vaccines must not depend on global supply chains or the goodwill of others. Today, Ghana takes a decisive step toward building our own capacity,” he said.
WHO’s Country Representative, Dr. Fiona Braka, described the launch as a “defining moment” for both Ghana and the wider African region. She noted that Africa currently manufactures just 0.1% of its vaccines despite accounting for nearly 25% of global demand.
Dr. Braka reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to providing technical support, technology transfer, regulatory strengthening, and adherence to global best practices to ensure that Ghana’s locally produced vaccines and pharmaceuticals meet international standards.
Representing the EU in Ghana, Timothy Nolan highlighted the European Union’s strong partnership with Ghana and referenced Team Europe’s €2 billion commitment to supporting vaccine and pharmaceutical manufacturing across Africa.
He commended Ghana’s leadership and expressed confidence in the country’s potential to emerge as a regional pharmaceutical hub.
The Ministry of Health acknowledged the crucial roles of the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), the National Vaccine Institute, development partners, and the private sector in ensuring the success of the Vax & Pharm initiative.
The launch ceremony brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Health, representatives of the EU and WHO, heads of regulatory agencies, industry stakeholders, and development partners, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s journey toward vaccine and pharmaceutical self-sufficiency.
