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The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is becoming the first real-world test of whether Africa's post-Covid investment in vaccine manufacturing can translate into locally developed vaccines. For the first time, Africa has a global markets certified mRNA manufacturer, Afrigen, who is actively competing to develop an Ebola vaccine during an active outbreak.
The Cape Town-based facility is participating in proposals under the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, competing against global pharma giants like Moderna, following its good manufacturing practice certification in April.
While Africa has invested in vaccine manufacturing since Covid-19, few facilities have reached the regulatory standards needed to participate in global vaccine development and procurement programmes.
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