CSOs push for unified African strategy in Vaccine distribution, technology transfer

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Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) across Africa, led by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), have called on African nations to adopt a unified front in global negotiations to ensure equitable vaccine distribution and technology transfer.

The cry comes amid discussions around the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) proposed Pandemic Agreement, which seeks to address global health crises more effectively.

During a virtual press conference hosted by AHF on September 10, 2024, CSO leaders emphasized the urgent need for African governments to collaborate, strengthening their negotiating power on the world stage to secure equitable access to life-saving vaccines and technology.

Call for unity

Speaking at the conference, AHF Kenya country programme director Dr Samuel Kinyanjui highlighted the significance of African nations coming together with a common stance as the negotiations in Geneva continue.

"If we want to ensure that every African country has fair access to vaccines, we must speak with one voice," Kinyanjui emphasized.

Speaking at the conference, AHF Kenya country programme director Dr Samuel Kinyanjui highlighted the significance of African nations coming. (Courtesy photo)

He pointed out that many African countries treat these negotiations as strictly state-level matters, often excluding key players like civil society organizations (CSOs), which could offer essential technical expertise and advocacy.

This lack of co-ordination, according to Kinyanjui, diminishes the negotiating power of African nations, leaving them at a disadvantage when facing wealthier countries in the global north.

The quest for Vaccine self-sufficiency

Guillemin Alaniz, the director of Global Advocacy and Policy at AHF, underscored the critical need for wealthier nations to support the transfer of technology and knowledge to low- and middle-income countries.

She argued that such moves would empower countries in the Global South to produce their own vaccines and other vital medical supplies during health emergencies, rather than depending on external aid.

"The inequality witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic, where rich countries cornered the market on vaccines, leaving poorer nations scrambling, must never happen again," Alaniz said.

She called on global leaders and pharmaceutical companies to prioritize lives over profits and urged for increased transparency and accountability in future vaccine distribution strategies.

The need for binding agreements

Aggrey Aluso, the director of the Africa Region for the Pandemic Action Network, echoed the need for a unified African front in these negotiations.

He criticized wealthier nations for their reluctance to commit to binding agreements that would guarantee technology transfer to developing nations.

Aluso emphasized that this co-operation should extend beyond pandemics and into peaceful times to ensure that Africa has the necessary tools to produce vaccines and other essential medicines.

"African countries have failed to produce vaccines for diseases that have been present on the continent for decades, like Mpox, which has existed since 1974," Aluso noted.

He stressed that without binding agreements to ensure technology and resource sharing, Africa would continue to rely on external support, even for long-standing health challenges.

Equity, collaboration at the forefront

Abdalla Karim Muhumuza, the head of Partnerships and communications at Afya Na Haki, pointed out that the issue of equity must be central to the negotiations.

Abdalla Karim Muhumuza, the head of Partnerships and communications at Afya Na Haki, pointed out that the issue of equity must be central to the negotiations. (Courtesy photo)

He advocated for the strengthening of national agencies and regional institutions so that they are better prepared to handle future pandemics and health crises.

Muhumuza also emphasized the need for collaboration between governments, CSOs, and the private sector, highlighting that successful pandemic preparedness relies on inclusivity and shared responsibility.

Building regional vaccine hubs

Kemi Gbadamosi, the director of policy, advocacy, and marketing for AHF Africa Bureau, called for the establishment of regional vaccine production hubs in developing countries.

"Pandemics don’t respect borders," she stated, urging global cooperation to avoid repeating the mistakes of the COVID-19 pandemic, where wealthy nations hoarded vaccines, leaving the rest of the world vulnerable.

Gbadamosi emphasized that the WHO Pandemic Agreement should include binding commitments to technology transfer, ensuring that every region has the capacity to manufacture vaccines and other critical treatments.

She stressed that Africa needs to position itself as a hub for vaccine production to guarantee access for all citizens, regardless of their nation’s wealth.

A united African voice

As negotiations continue, CSOs like AHF are pushing for an African-led strategy that centres on equity, self-sufficiency, and collaboration.

Through these efforts, they noted that they hope to ensure that Africa is better prepared for future global health crises and that its people have equal access to the vaccines and treatments necessary to save lives.

This united stance, Kinyanjui represents a crucial step in changing the global health landscape and empowering Africa to be self-reliant in the face of pandemics.