About AVMi – KEEP

Building a Self-Reliant Future: AVMI Unites Stakeholders to Develop and Sustain African Vaccine Production for Routine and Emergency Health Needs.

Building a Self-Reliant Continent: Coordinating Efforts to Produce High-Quality Vaccines and Biologicals for Routine and Emergency Needs.

AVMI is more than just an initiative; it’s a movement towards self-reliance and confidence in Africa’s ability to meet its own health needs. By working together and leveraging the strengths of its partners, AVMI is paving the way for a healthier, more resilient Africa.

In September 2010, during the International Vaccine Technology Workshop (IVTW) in India, a group of dedicated African professionals came together to launch the Africa Vaccine Manufacturers Initiative (AVMI). This initiative was born out of a shared vision to empower Africa to produce its vaccines and biologicals for emergencies and routine immunization needs.

Focus on Quality

A primary aim of AVMI is to create an environment conducive to the development of vaccine and biological manufacturers that adhere to global quality standards. By doing so, AVMI is committed to ensuring that Africa's vaccine production is not only self-sustaining but also meets the highest international benchmarks.

Long-Term Sustainability

AVMI's approach is not just about immediate results but about creating a sustainable ecosystem for vaccine production in Africa. This involves fostering innovation, supporting the growth of local manufacturers, and ensuring the long-term viability of vaccine production on the continent.

Africa represents 14% of the world’s population and it is estimated that by 2050 25% of the global population will live in Africa. Currently less than 1% of the vaccines used in Africa are produced in Africa.

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The importance of developing vaccine manufacturing capacity in Africa was underlined by the Global Vaccine Action Plan resolution at the 2015 World Health Assembly where there was a call for Member States to seek opportunities for national and regional vaccine production and to investigate procurement options for improved access to and supply of vaccines. In addition to improving response to emergency situations, African vaccine manufacturing could improve security and sustainability of vaccine supply, respond to unmet health needs of a growing population and aid socioeconomic development in Africa.

By 2050, 25% of the global population is expected to live in Africa, yet less than 1% of vaccines used on the continent are produced locally.

The 2015 World Health Assembly highlighted the critical need for national and regional vaccine production in Africa, urging Member States to explore opportunities for improved access and supply.

The Africa Vaccine Manufacturers Initiative (AVMI) is committed to establishing sustainable vaccine development and manufacturing capacity across Africa.

AVMI works with a broad coalition of African and global partners, including politicians, policymakers, funders, manufacturers, scientists, and medical experts, to drive this initiative forward.

Local vaccine manufacturing is essential not only for improving emergency responses but also for enhancing vaccine security, addressing unmet health needs, and contributing to Africa’s socioeconomic development.

Through initiatives like the Vaccine Manufacturing and Procurement in Africa (VMPA) Study, AVMI seeks to engage and mobilize stakeholders, ensuring Africa becomes a key player in the global vaccine landscape.

Therefore, working with African and global partners we advocate for the establishment of sustainable vaccine development and manufacturing capacity in Africa. This involves bringing together interested parties, from politicians, policy makers and funders to manufacturers, scientists and medical experts, to action this drive on the continent. Through studies like the Vaccine Manufacturing and Procurement in Africa (VMPA) Study we strive to get more and more people and organizations interested and involved in making Africa a key player in vaccine development and manufacture.