In a landmark move to advance vaccine research and development in Africa, the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) has announced the inauguration of its new Country and Project Office in Kenya. This pivotal office will serve as the nerve center for IVI's groundbreaking Advancing Vaccine End-to-End Capabilities (AVEC) Africa initiative, aimed at accelerating vaccine development and manufacturing across the region.
The AVEC Africa project, positioned as a catalyst for the regional vaccine ecosystem, seeks to drive end-to-end research and development projects. By fostering robust public-private partnerships and prioritizing hands-on training, the initiative aims to bolster Africa's vaccine ecosystem and ensure sustainable vaccine manufacturing. The Kenya office will play a pivotal role as the headquarters for AVEC Africa, working closely with local partners, including the Kenya BioVax Institute.
The launch event for the AVEC Africa project, co-hosted by IVI, the Government of Kenya, and the Africa CDC, emphasized the project's commitment to strengthening the vaccine ecosystem through comprehensive research and development initiatives. Dr. Jerome Kim, Director General of IVI, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative and underscored the vital collaboration with the Kenyan government and local research institutions. The newly established office will oversee the implementation of AVEC Africa and manage its project portfolio, reflecting IVI's dedication to tackling global health challenges and fostering resilient vaccine ecosystems.
The concept of AVEC Africa was introduced during an event held on the sidelines of the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union and has garnered significant political support from African leaders, including H.E. Dr. William Ruto, President of Kenya. IVI's collaboration with the Africa CDC, as evidenced by a Memorandum of Understanding signed in November 2022, underscores the commitment to strengthening Africa's vaccine end-to-end ecosystem.
Dr. Michael Lusiola, MD/CEO of Kenya BioVax Institute, highlighted the positive impact of the IVI AVEC Project Office in Kenya, noting that it will significantly support the establishment of local vaccine manufacturing capabilities at BioVax. The collaboration between the AVEC Office in Kenya and the IVI Regional Office in Rwanda will ensure coordinated efforts to achieve the Africa CDC's target of vaccine self-sufficiency by 2040.
The launch of AVEC Africa aligns with the broader strategy of the IVI Board of Trustees, which emphasizes regional approaches to vaccine development. The Global Council, representing IVI's State Parties, welcomed this expansion, encouraging support for this critical initiative to strengthen global vaccine ecosystems.
Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku
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