Accra: Dr Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Vaccine Institute (NVI), has announced significant progress in the institute's efforts to achieve vaccine self-sufficiency for the nation's health system. The NVI, established under ACT 1097 2023, is tasked with coordinating and supervising vaccine research, development, and manufacturing in response to the vaccine nationalism witnessed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Sodzi-Tettey made these remarks at the JEAM Leadership Lecture Series, honoring the late President Professor John Evans Atta Mills and organized by the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS). The lecture focused on advancing quality health systems in Ghana amidst global disruptions. Dr Sodzi-Tettey emphasized the critical role vaccines have played in saving lives, noting that only 1% of vaccines used are produced in Africa. He described the establishment of the NVI as a bold and forward-thinking government decision.
On the occasion of its second anniversary in May, Dr Sodzi-Tettey highlighted the institute's achievements, including supporting the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in becoming a World Health Organisation (WHO) Maturity Three Regulatory Agency for vaccine manufacturing. NVI has also selected two private companies to spearhead vaccine manufacturing through a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
The NVI has facilitated technology transfer for vaccine manufacturing in Ghana, creating partnerships with international entities such as the European Union, German Economic Development and Cooperation, GIZ, World Bank, Africa CDC, WHO, and various universities. After rigorous testing and quality assurance, the Ghana FDA granted market authorization to Atlantic Life Sciences Limited for the commercial production of Snake Venom Anti Serum.
Research indicates an average of 9,600 snakebite cases annually in Ghana between 2015 and 2019, with a 3% fatality rate and long-term disabilities affecting survivors. In sub-Saharan Africa, snakebites result in 10,000 to 30,000 deaths each year. Dr Sodzi-Tettey announced plans for NVI and Atlantic Life Sciences to produce vaccines to meet national and potentially continental demands for Snake Venom Anti Serum, utilizing locally sourced, affordable polyherbal anti-venom.
Furthermore, the National Vaccine Institute initiated discussions with Atlantic Life Sciences, DEK Vaccines Limited, and Noguchi Memorial Institute to develop a 'fill and finish' product for the Tetanus Diphtheria Vaccine, marking a potential milestone in local vaccine manufacturing. Dr Sodzi-Tettey affirmed the institute's commitment to its mandate and support of the President's vision for effective public health emergency management.
A partnership with UHAS was also highlighted, leveraging its capacity, human resources, and infrastructure for vaccine research and development. A recent visit by European Union and GIZ experts demonstrated promising collaboration, leading to initial support to enhance research and development capacity under the PharmaVax project, funded by the EU and BMZ. Dr Sodzi-Tettey expressed optimism that UHAS's resources would be effectively utilized to support other national institutions.
