Ghana’s National Vaccine Institute (NVI) is making significant progress towards achieving vaccine self-sufficiency, a crucial goal for national health security. Established in response to the vaccine nationalism experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the NVI is tasked with coordinating and overseeing vaccine research, development, and manufacturing within the country. This initiative aligns with the broader global push for stronger health systems and reflects a proactive approach to managing public health emergencies. The NVI’s mandate, as enshrined in ACT 1097 of 2023, is to spearhead the development of a robust domestic vaccine production capacity, reducing reliance on external sources and ensuring timely access to essential vaccines for the Ghanaian population.
The NVI has achieved several milestones since its inception, including supporting the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in attaining World Health Organization (WHO) Maturity Level Three status for vaccine manufacturing. This achievement signifies a significant advancement in regulatory capacity, bolstering confidence in locally produced vaccines. Furthermore, the NVI has fostered public-private partnerships (PPPs) with two private companies to advance vaccine manufacturing within Ghana. These partnerships leverage the expertise and resources of both the public and private sectors to accelerate progress towards vaccine self-sufficiency. Crucially, the NVI has facilitated technology transfer agreements between foreign entities and local vaccine manufacturers, ensuring that Ghana benefits from cutting-edge vaccine production technologies. This proactive approach to technology acquisition positions Ghana as a potential vaccine manufacturing hub for the region.
The NVI’s efforts have already yielded tangible results, notably in the development of an anti-venom serum. Snakebites pose a significant health challenge in Ghana, with an average of 9,600 cases reported annually between 2015 and 2019, resulting in a 3% fatality rate and lifelong disabilities for many survivors. The successful development and market authorization of a locally produced snake venom anti-serum by Atlantic Life Sciences (ALS) Limited marks a critical step in addressing this public health concern. This locally produced anti-venom offers a more affordable and accessible treatment option, potentially saving lives and reducing the burden of snakebites on communities. The NVI aims to eliminate the need for imported anti-venom, further strengthening national health security.
Beyond the anti-venom, the NVI is actively pursuing the development of other essential vaccines. Plans are underway for the collaborative production of a tetanus diphtheria vaccine, a groundbreaking initiative that will further solidify Ghana’s vaccine manufacturing capacity and contribute to broader immunization efforts. This collaboration between the NVI, ALS Limited, DEK Vaccines Limited, and the Noguchi Memorial Institute highlights the institute’s commitment to fostering partnerships and leveraging existing expertise within the country. The focus on tetanus diphtheria vaccine production addresses a critical need for this widely used vaccine, further reducing dependence on external suppliers.
The NVI recognizes the importance of collaboration in achieving its ambitious goals. Strategic partnerships have been established with international organizations such as the European Union, the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), the World Bank, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and the WHO. These collaborations provide valuable technical assistance, funding, and access to global best practices, accelerating progress towards vaccine self-sufficiency. Furthermore, the NVI is actively engaging with universities both within Ghana and internationally, fostering research and development and building human resource capacity for the vaccine sector.
A key partnership has been forged with the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), leveraging its expertise in research and development and its state-of-the-art infrastructure. This collaboration is already yielding positive outcomes, attracting international support for research and development initiatives. The NVI’s strategic engagement with UHAS and other academic institutions underscores its commitment to building a sustainable and robust vaccine ecosystem within Ghana, ensuring long-term success in vaccine development and manufacturing. The NVI’s proactive approach, combined with its strategic partnerships and focus on capacity building, positions Ghana as a leader in advancing vaccine self-sufficiency in Africa.
