Abstract Description

"South Africa needs to develop the ability to manufacture drugs, vaccines and other biologics locally, to improve the health sector’s bio-economy and to help the country achieve its public health goals". The need for independence in the manufacture of drugs, vaccines and other biologics was underscored when Africa faced a significant shortfall in COVID-19 vaccines during the last global pandemic. In response, the African Union (AU) plans to produce 60% of the vaccines needed in Africa by 2040, which aligns with the South African Bio-economy strategy. The Africa CDC, through its Platform for Harmonized African Health products Manufacturing (PHAHM), is actively working on developing talent to support this ambitious target. This involves addressing a major gap in the biologics and vaccine manufacturing workforce, to increase current capacity from approximately 2,000 to 3,000 full-time employees to 12,500 across Africa. The PHAHM aimed to develop competency frameworks, establish training centers, and implement training programs in biologics and vaccine research, development, and manufacturing. Specific industry roles, responsibilities, and competencies were identified through collaboration and stakeholder engagements with the industry, academia, and research institutions. These competencies were mapped and arranged in logical learning progressions to design authentic learning experiences and assessments that allow learners to demonstrate mastery. Quality assurance strategies were designed to evaluate and refine the curriculum continuously to ensure it meets evolving industry needs and effectively measures applied skills. Vaccine manufacturing and research competency frameworks have been developed, a fellowship programme curriculum has been developed, and an MSc programme curriculum is being developed. The Africa CDC's Southern Africa Regional Capability and Capacity for vaccine manufacturing has been established, and funding for pilot-scale vaccine manufacturing equipment is being negotiated. Conclusively, South Africa is gearing up to implement an Afro-centric capacity development in biopharmaceutical manufacturing to contribute towards the attainment of the goals of the bio-economy strategies.