Plans to develop COVID-19 vaccines in West Africa ‘far advanced’ – GHS

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) says it is reliably informed that the West Africa Health Organization (WAHO) is partnering with the Sub-regional Head of State to develop vaccines for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

Speaking to Citi News, Manager at the Expanded Programme on Immunization at the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Kwame Amposa-Achiano, said plans are far advanced in getting some satellite pharmaceutical companies built in the Sub-Region to manufacture vaccines.

“West Africa Health Organization (WAHO) is partnering with the Sub-regional Head of states are trying to see if the continent can also develop a vaccine not just for COVID-19 but other infectious diseases. The only problem is the capital required but the time is now for us to also start.”

“Discussions are far advanced in getting some satellite pharmaceutical companies in the sub-region to manufacture vaccines.”

This follows the assurance by President Akufo-Addo that Ghana will join other countries to procure COVID-19 vaccines for its citizens.

Currently, countries like the United States of America and the United Kingdom have begun trials of the use of COVID-19 vaccines to curb the spread of the virus.

The Health Directorate believes it has become prudent to develop its own vaccines amidst the Coronavirus pandemic.

President Akufo-Addo’s assurance

President Akufo-Addo in his 20th Covid-19 update announced the formation of an expert committee to help in the procurement and deployment of the Covid-19 vaccines in the country, assuring that Ghana will not be left behind in having access to the vaccines.

“Ghana, I assure you, is not going to be left behind in having access to the vaccines. I am aware of the anxieties relating to the safety and efficacy of newly-developed vaccines.”

“Government will ensure that the COVID-19 vaccines to be deployed in the country are effective and are safe. To this end, I have put together a team of experts from the relevant agencies and institutions who are working assiduously towards the deployment and procurement of vaccines,” he added.