Ghana set to produce first locally manufactured vaccine by 2027

Ghana is on track to produce its first locally manufactured vaccine by 2027, marking a significant milestone in the country's efforts to strengthen healthcare security, reduce reliance on imports, and build a sustainable pharmaceutical industry.

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Vaccine Institute (NVI), Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, revealed that the institute has signed a technology transfer agreement with Indonesian pharmaceutical giant PT Bio Farma to facilitate the local production of tetanus-diphtheria vaccines in Ghana.

According to reports, the tetanus-diphtheria vaccine will become the first vaccine to be manufactured in Ghana under the country's ambitious vaccine production agenda, positioning the nation as a future player in Africa's growing pharmaceutical sector.

Ghana's Drive Towards Vaccine Self-Sufficiency

The initiative forms part of Ghana's broader strategy to establish a robust vaccine manufacturing industry ahead of the expiration of support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance in 2030.

Dr. Sodzi-Tettey disclosed that the NVI is collaborating with local pharmaceutical firms, including Atlantic Life Sciences and DEK Vaccines Limited, to develop the country's vaccine production capabilities.

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He noted that establishing a fully functional vaccine manufacturing ecosystem requires substantial financial investment, with production infrastructure and facility development projected to exceed $100 million.

Funding and Strategic Partnerships

To support the ambitious project, the National Vaccine Institute is pursuing strategic partnerships with major financial institutions, including Ghana EXIM Bank, African Export-Import Bank, and International Finance Corporation.

The vaccine manufacturing agenda recently received a major boost after John Dramani Mahama approved an additional $50 million in seed funding. The funding is expected to support vaccine production, research and development, infrastructure expansion, and compliance with international regulatory standards.

Why Local Vaccine Production Matters

Currently, Ghana relies heavily on imported vaccines and participates in co-financing arrangements with Gavi to meet its immunisation needs. However, the country is expected to fully finance its vaccine procurement by 2030.

Local vaccine production is expected to:

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• Improve Ghana's health security and emergency preparedness.

• Reduce dependence on foreign vaccine supplies.

• Create jobs and boost the pharmaceutical industry.

• Strengthen research and innovation in healthcare.

• Position Ghana as a regional hub for vaccine manufacturing in West Africa.

If successful, the 2027 target will represent a historic achievement for Ghana's healthcare sector and a major step toward achieving long-term vaccine independence.