African-based Covid-19 vaccine on the cards through technology transfer hub in Cape Town

A production scientist works with samples during a visit by representatives of the Medicines Patent Pool, France and other European Union member states, at the Afrigen Biologics' site in Cape Town, South Africa, February 3, 2022. REUTERS/Shelley Christians REUTERS - SHELLEY CHRISTIANS

In an effort to even the playing field in terms of vaccine delivery and production, a collaboration between South African-based consortium Afrigen Biologics and Belgium-based Univercells Group was signed on Tuesday. The partnership will pave the way for the development of the first African-owned Covid-19 vaccine.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has shown that there is a pressing need to build African capabilities in vaccine development and manufacturing,” said Petro Terblanche, Afrigen managing director, noting that African countries “need access to life-saving vaccines and medicines.”