ShieldVax to deliver Fill Finish Vaccine by 2026: Health Minister

Addis Ababa, January 29, 2024 (FBC) – ShieldVax, one of the Public Enterprises Holding and Administration Agency in Ethiopia, will deliver fill finish vaccine by 2026 and vaccine drug substance by the end of 2027, Health Minister of Ethiopia Lia Tadesse said.

Health Minister Lia and pertinent stakeholders lay the foundation stone for the construction of ShieldVax Enterprise project to manufacture vaccines in Ethiopia at the Kilinto Industrial Park today.

During the ceremony, Lia said that a strong ecosystem is key to build the local manufacturing industry.

“ShieldVax Enterprise is not confined to a local context; it aims to be pivotal player in regional collaboration and solidarity. Aligned the priorities of the Africa CDC, this project is significant step towards the bold vision of producing 60 percent of the continent’s vaccines by 2040,” she elaborated.

The establishment of Shieldvax Enterprise reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to strengthen defenses against both current and future health threats; the Minister emphasized, and added that it serves as a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and our united determination to secure a healthier future for generations to come.

Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa-CDC) Director-General, Jean Kaseya through his representative said that in many ways, Ethiopia’s approach to vaccine and pharmaceutical manufacturing represents both the challenges and the necessary solutions that we face as Africa as a whole.

“The government of Ethiopia, Africa CDC and partners continue to work together as we take the next and even more crucial steps towards securing the goals of manufacturing 60 percent of our vaccine needs in Africa by 2040,” he added.

He affirmed Africa CDC’s support to the works and ambitions of Ethiopia in manufacturing medicines and vaccines.

World Bank Country Director for Ethiopia, Ousmane Dione said on his part that Ethiopia’s national strategy for pharmaceutical and manufacturing seek to expand local production from 20 to 60 percent and substitute import while bringing consumers and producers closer.

To achieve this, the World Bank will continue to work hand in hand with the government of Ethiopia, he added.

“The World Bank and IFC are designing an investor outreach to identify potential investment opportunities and investors with focus on the ShieldVax Enterprise at Kilinto Industrial park,” he elaborated.

He affirmed that the World Bank will continue to provide technical assistance to the government in this endeavor, ENA reported.