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Tafara Chibanda
A LOCAL doctor has urged Africans to devise ways to deal with future pandemics in the wake of the severe damage which was caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Doctor Nyasha Masuka was speaking at a workshop organised by the African Health Economics and Policy Association (AHEPA).
The discussions were centred on equitable access to the Covid-19 vaccines in Africa (ECOVA).
Doctor Masuka highlighted the urgent need for Africa to develop its own vaccine manufacturing capabilities as part of the broader strategy to ensure equitable access to vaccines during pandemics.
“To address these disparities, we must focus on building local capacities, investing in STEM education is crucial for cultivating a skilled workforce that can support vaccine research and development.
“There is potential for vaccines to be manufactured locally and there is a need for capacity building to initiate vaccine manufacturing,” he said.
He emphasised the urgent need for investment in local vaccine manufacturing and STEM education to build capacities that can effectively respond to health crises and ensure equitable access for vulnerable populations.
Dr Masuka highlighted the importance of public-private partnership and said the collaboration was essential for the fostering of innovation and driving progress in vaccine development.
He said the public must be well informed, through engaging the media and since the majority of the people appear to be on social media, there must be wide coverage to keep everyone informed.
To facilitate vaccine research and production, the association outlined key strategies, including retaining healthcare workers, equipping health facilities and enhancing surveillance systems by upgrading or improving existing monitoring and detection infrastructure.
Online Reporter