This report explores the challenges in regulating the development, production, safety monitoring and approval of vaccines for use across Africa.
The absence of functional national regulatory agencies in some countries can expose people to potentially unsafe products of variable quality and effectiveness. A lack of coordination allows substandard and falsified products to enter the system, all of which contribute to poor health outcomes and lower life expectancy.
The Covid-19 pandemic highlights the need for more reliable and timely supply of vaccines and other medical products across Africa, prompting a resurgence of political support for local manufacturing.
The findings of this report support calls for investment in appropriate regulatory oversight in Africa.