The World Health Organisation (WHO), has lauded Ghana for its resolve to strengthen research and systems for the development and manufacture of COVID-19 vaccines.
The move, according to the world health body, is a step in the right direction given the inequality between the developed and developing countries in terms of vaccine distribution.
WHO’s Representative in Ghana, Dr. Francis Chisaka Kasolo, said building capacity for local production of the vaccines has become imperative for African countries, in particular, given how the continent had been devastated by the pandemic.
Addressing the 9th College of Health Sciences Biennial Conference, being hosted by the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Mr. Kasolo gave the assurance that the WHO would support Ghana to realize her goals.
He said it is important to invest in critical care capacities and health systems in general for future pandemics.
Presidential Advisor on Health, Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare, said Ghana’s long-term target is to produce a vaccine in 10 years, using innovative technologies. Ghana, in February 2021 commissioned a Vaccine Manufacturing Committee to facilitate the capacity of domestic pharmaceutical companies to fill, complete and package Covid-19 vaccines.
In pursuance of the country’s vision, the Committee has developed a roadmap and doing stakeholder consultations for Cabinet and Parliamentary approvals for the establishment of a National Vaccine Institute to coordinate domestic vaccine development and manufacture.