The EU is deepening its partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to boost local production of and access to Africa'sAfrica's vaccines, medicines, and medical technologies.
Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen and WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced that the EU and WHO are deepening their partnership. Their goal is to increase equitable access to safe and effective quality vaccines, medicines and medical technologies in sub-Saharan Africa.
Commissioner Urpilainen said, ""The European Union and the WHO share an ambitious goal to increase local production capacity and expand access to safe, effective, affordable quality medicines and vaccines. As part of the Team Europe initiative for local manufacturing in Africa, Dr Tedros and I agreed to increase support to our African partners, helping to address the biggest barriers to access and availability. We foresee projects and funding of at least €24.5 million from the EU budget. Together, we are strengthening the foundations for resilient health systems, universal health coverage and public health security - for today and tomorrow".
The EU-WHO Partnership will help the African Union increase local vaccine production in and for Africa. It will also support the African Union's objectives in employment and economic growth, trade and scientific cooperation.
The €24.5 million EU financial contribution will be allocated to three main categories of activities: regulatory strengthening (€11.5 million), technology transfer (€12 million) and demand consolidation and strategic purchasing (€1 million). The EU will also step up its cooperation with OHCHR on strengthening human rights.
Categories: World, Social Issues
Tags: EU, WHO, vaccine, covid-19
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