Kenya Joins IVI Boosting its Vaccine Production Capacity

GOOBJOOG NEWS | SEOUL: Kenya has formally joined the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) as a Member State, strengthening the East African nation’s resolve to achieve self-reliance in vaccine production,

Speaking during the ratification ceremony in agency’s headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, Kenya’s president William Ruto said increased vaccine availability will enhance the delivery of Kenya’s primary healthcare and adequately support disease prevention.

Ruto said Kenya had learnt critical lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic challenges of accessing vaccines, and emphasised the commitment to reduce reliance on external manufacturers of vaccines and other pharmaceuticals.

“The time has come for Africa to actualise health sovereignty by liberating itself from dependency on unsustainable frameworks, and accelerating initiatives to become self-sufficient in vaccine production,” he said.

The Kenyan leader added that making vaccines universally accessible, regardless of nationality and status, is an urgent imperative that must be addressed.

“In vaccine production and supply terms, no one is safe until everyone is safe.”

Ruto thanked IVI for announcing that it would establish a country and project office in Nairobi, saying it will bolster Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage agenda and promote African self-reliance in vaccine production.

“Under this partnership, we will strive to strengthen our health systems by ensuring commodity security through research, development and manufacturing,” he said.

President Ruto said a tripartite agreement between the IVI, Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology will further boost the continent’s plan for cutting edge research and training, and consequently a resilient healthcare system.