The newly appointed Acting CEO of the National Vaccine Institute (NVI), Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey has pledged to advance Ghana’s vision for vaccine self-sufficiency with renewed urgency.
Speaking at the Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) reporting toolkit study dissemination meeting, Dr. Sodzi-Tettey stressed the critical need for local vaccine manufacturing, particularly as Ghana prepares to transition from GAVI support by 2030.
He commended his predecessor, Prof. William Ampofo, for laying a solid foundation for the NVI and spoke strongly about the necessity of ramping up efforts to ensure vaccine production becomes a reality.
“Africa has the highest incidence of mortality from infectious diseases and the insufficient capacity to produce vaccines constitutes a threat. Clearly, this is the time to make local vaccine manufacturing a reality. It is heartwarming to acknowledge that this vision enjoys the full support of H.E. President Mahama and is in line with the government’s vision of preventing disease, promoting health and wellness and prudent management of public health emergencies and epidemics.” Dr. Sodzi-Tettey asserted, referencing the global vaccine nationalism exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and Africa’s ongoing vulnerability to infectious disease outbreaks.
Ghana is home to 37 pharmaceutical companies and has ongoing partnerships with key stakeholders, including the African Union, WHO, and the European Union. Dr. Sodzi-Tettey expressed confidence in the country’s ability to manufacture vaccines locally.
“Ghana has the capacity to manufacture vaccines,” he affirmed, addressing skepticism from those doubting the feasibility of the initiative.
The NVI is actively facilitating technology transfers for two pharmaceutical firms, Atlantic Life Sciences and DEK Vaccines Ltd. These firms have already invested in infrastructure and capacity-building.
Dr. Sodzi-Tettey also announced plans to visit these facilities to assess challenges and provide support in line with the Institute’s mandate.
As Ghana builds towards vaccine self-sufficiency, regulatory oversight remains a priority. The Ghana Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), recognized as a WHO Maturity Level 3 regulatory body, will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficacy of domestically produced vaccines. Additionally, the NVI is leveraging the expertise of leading research institutions such as Noguchi, WACCBIP, and KCCR to enhance vaccine research and development.
Dr. Sodzi-Tettey also revealed that efforts are underway to strengthen the NVI’s institutional framework, including the full establishment of directorates and units, the constitution of its governing board, and the development of a legislative instrument to operationalize the NVI Act 1097.
“The road ahead requires dedication, but I am fully committed to achieving this goal for the health security of our people,” he reaffirmed.
He said he remains committed to President John Mahama’s health sector agenda.
The AEFI Reporting toolkit study dissemination meeting was on the theme “Overcoming Barriers To AEFI Reporting in Ghana: The Value of a Novel AEFI Reporting Toolkit”.
The event brought together key players within Ghana’s health sector, including Prof Alex Dodoo, Dr Kwame Amponsah Achiano, Dr George Sabblah, Dr Sharon Laryea and Dr David Nana Adjei, among others
