Egyptian Vaccine Manufacturers Alliance: A National Milestone Toward Achieving Self-Sufficiency in Vaccine Production
ICOM Group had the utmost pleasure in organizing one of the most prestigious and promising events that is aligned with Egypt’s Vision 2030: the inaugural of the national initiative – The Egyptian Vaccine Manufacturers Alliance (EVMA) held at the iconic Cairo Marriott, Cairo, on Wednesday, November 27th, 2024. This groundbreaking event marked a significant milestone in Egypt’s journey toward achieving self-sufficiency in vaccine production and enhancing national health security.
In a historic stride toward establishing Egypt as a regional hub for biological industries, the Egyptian Vaccine Manufacturers Alliance (EVMA) was launched as a cornerstone of the national strategy to localize vaccine manufacturing. This initiative, mandated by Prime Ministerial Decree No. 719 of 2024, seeks to domestically produce essential vaccines to meet national healthcare demands while positioning Egypt as a key player in regional and global markets, particularly in Africa.
The alliance brings together leading local companies such as the Egyptian Vaccine City, Vacsera, Genevax, Biogeneric Pharma, Egyptian Pharmaceutical City, and Eva Pharma, alongside contributions from over 9 global technology transfer companies with extensive expertise in vaccine manufacturing. With direct oversight from the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population, the Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement, Medical Supply and the Management of Medical Technology, and the Egyptian Drug Authority, this alliance represents a collaborative effort to advance Egypt’s healthcare infrastructure.
Driving Health Security and Economic Sustainability
H.E. Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Health and Population, emphasized the importance of localizing vaccine production as a pillar of Egypt’s healthcare future. He highlighted how this initiative not only serves national health security but also fosters economic sustainability by reducing reliance on imports and creating export opportunities.
During his address at the event, Dr. Abdel Ghaffar commended the alliance’s role in building a robust healthcare infrastructure capable of self-sufficiency in essential vaccines. He also reaffirmed Egypt’s vision to become a regional leader in vaccine exports, strengthening its presence in African and international markets.
High-Level Collaboration and Strategic Vision
The EVMA launch event featured the signing of a charter among its members, witnessed by prominent figures including Dr. Awad Tag Eldin, Presidential Advisor for Health and Prevention Affairs, and Dr. Amr Kandil, Deputy Minister of Health. Other notable attendees included leaders from the National Service Projects Organization, the Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement, and representatives from international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO).
Maj. Gen. Dr. Bahaa El-Din Zidan, Chairman of the Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement, Medical Supply and the Management of Medical Technology, announced the preparation of an Economic Participation Contracts Program, which will support the alliance’s objectives. He stressed the importance of leveraging government procurement to support local industries and transfer advanced manufacturing technologies, enhancing Egypt’s competitiveness on a global scale.
A Vision for the Future
Egypt’s readiness to adopt cutting-edge vaccine production technologies has been recognized globally, as evidenced by its selection as one of the first African countries to receive mRNA vaccine production technology from the World Health Organization. This aligns with the national strategy to meet local vaccine demands—estimated at 75 million doses annually—while also scaling up exports to address the rising needs of the African continent, projected at 1.8 billion doses by 2040.
Dr. Ali El-Ghamrawy, Chairman of the Egyptian Drug Authority, highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for vaccine manufacturing. This includes a comprehensive package of incentives and reforms aimed at positioning Egypt as a global leader in this critical industry. He also noted that the country’s highly trained workforce and state-of-the-art facilities make it well-equipped to share expertise and resources with other African nations.
Challenges and Commitments
Dr. Amr Kandil, Deputy Minister of Health, acknowledged the significant investments required for technology transfer and compliance with international quality standards. He emphasized the government’s resolve to overcome these challenges, ensuring a healthier future for all Egyptians. By 2027, Egypt is projected to operate 16 production lines capable of producing 700 million vaccine doses annually, with 21 technology transfer agreements already in place to produce 18 essential vaccines.
Dr. Hisham Badr, Deputy Chairman of the Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement, expressed optimism about the alliance’s potential to revolutionize the vaccine manufacturing sector. He underscored the strategic goal of achieving full self-sufficiency and increasing vaccine exports by 50% by 2040, a vision supported by 12 technology transfer agreements already signed.
Conclusion
The Egyptian Vaccine Manufacturers Alliance represents a bold vision for public health and economic development, not just in Egypt but across Africa. Through partnerships, innovation, and commitment, this initiative paves the way for a healthier, more sustainable future where every citizen has access to safe and effective vaccines.
The ICOM Group is proud to have been instrumental in organizing this transformative event. The dedication and collaborative efforts of our team have significantly contributed to the event’s success, reinforcing our position as leaders in delivering impactful and visionary events. Together, we celebrate this milestone and look forward to continuing our journey of supporting initiatives that align with Egypt’s Vision 2030.
