President Hichilema Urges Equitable Access to Vaccines and Medicines Across Africa
President Hakainde Hichilema has underscored the importance of equitable global access to vaccines and medicines, stating that no continent should be left behind. He emphasised that investment in research and development for the production of vaccines and medicines is critical to safeguarding lives.
Mr. Hichilema noted that Africa currently produces less than 1 percent of its vaccine requirements. However, through collaborative efforts, the continent can achieve the target of producing 60 percent of its vaccine needs by 2040.
He highlighted Zambia’s progress in reducing child mortality by 70 percent over the past 25 years, attributing the achievement to widespread vaccination efforts.
The President made these remarks during a high-level side event on local production of medicines, vaccines, and health technologies in Africa, held at the 75th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa.
He stressed the need to address Africa’s dependence on external support and the supply chain vulnerabilities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He called on African nations to prioritise regional cooperation to overcome these challenges.
“We need to take responsibility to solve our problems; we must be clear about what we want to do,” Mr. Hichilema stated.
He pointed out Africa’s unique demographic and resource advantages, which should be harnessed to boost local pharmaceutical production. He added that Zambia is actively implementing a local manufacturing strategy, entering agreements for cholera vaccine production, and creating incentives to attract investors.
President Hichilema urged the committee to formulate and swiftly implement strategies that respond to Africa’s health needs.
“The health security of over 1.3 billion people on the continent depends on the actions of the committee. Let us turn today’s deliberations into action that builds resilient, equitable health systems for Africa,” he said.
He welcomed ongoing reforms within the WHO and the Africa CDC aimed at addressing current health challenges.
During the same meeting, President Hichilema launched the Continental Cholera Outbreak Response Plan in his capacity as Global and African Union Champion for Cholera. He described the report as a turning point in Africa’s fight against cholera, which continues to rob communities of health and dignity.
He called on fellow Heads of State to establish Presidential Task Forces on cholera to ensure accountability and drive coordinated action. He also stressed the importance of domestic resource allocation to demonstrate national commitment beyond donor support.
“Recognise that cholera is primarily a water and sanitation challenge. The Ministries of Water and Sanitation, Health, Local Government, and Finance must work together and be part of the agenda,” he urged.
President Hichilema concluded by affirming that health is a fundamental economic issue requiring an appropriate and strategic response.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, welcomed Zambia’s initiative to produce a cholera vaccine. He noted the high demand across Africa and the current shortfall in vaccine production. Dr. Ghebreyesus pledged to work with Zambia to ensure the success of the initiative, affirming that the right to health includes access to both medicines and vaccines.
