Dear subscriber,
A great number of health security conversations in Africa seem to focus on strengthening local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals. Are talks and policies enough to make this a reality?
Treezer Michelle Atieno - Editor
Pharma companies are set to benefit from a larger market and more predictable regional demand after the launch of the first pandemic framework by the East African Community. The Regional Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response Policy Framework reduces age long market and manufacturing fragmentation in eight countries.
The framework prioritises disease surveillance, pooled procurement, shared data systems, regional pharmaceutical manufacturing and resilient supply chains. Through this, it provides clearer pathways for pharma companies to scale.
National regulatory frameworks slow local pharmaceutical production by raising manufacturing and compliance costs and limiting access to quality and safe medicines across the region.
Our take: Pandemic readiness combines public need with private opportunity: the better the systems, the bigger the market…Read more (2 min)
The Gates Foundation and OpenAI have launched Horizon 1000, a $50 million AI programme to support 1,000 clinics across Africa in clinical decisions and reduce administrative burdens. Dr Mike Adeyemi, an infectious disease specialist, sees this as an example of a deliberate effort to integrate AI into health systems.
“What is particularly encouraging for Africa is that Horizon 1000 places real-world clinical deployment at the centre of AI development, with pilots embedded in routine care environments and aligned with local health priorities.” says Dr Adeyemi.
He adds that while the global rankings highlight how AI is already shaping leading health technology companies, the tools should be applied more deliberately within health systems that face the greatest constraints.
Read the full opinion…Read more (2 min)
There are over 20 upcoming healthcare events in Africa to network by the end of April. The Africa Health Business Symposium (21 April), will explore strategic health investments while the World Health Summit Regional Meeting (27 April) will focus on solutions to Africa’s health challenges, with both taking place in Nairobi.
The Africa Health Conference 2026 (21 February) will be held in Boston and virtually, to explore innovations in healthcare and development across the continent.
The 3rd African Workshop on Women & HIV (12 March) in South Africa aims to address stigma and integrated HIV care for African women.
Full list of events…Read more (2 min)
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Source: Gavi
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