PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA WRITES:On the sidelines of the 75th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa in Lusaka, we addressed Equitable Access to Medicines, Vaccines, and New Medical Technologies. This agenda is vital to ensuring every African can access essential medicines and vaccines.
Vaccines have reduced Zambia’s mortality rate by over 70% in the past 25 years, yet COVID-19 exposed Africa’s supply chain weaknesses. With the continent producing only 1% of its vaccine needs, external support must focus on skills transfer and local capacity. We welcome the backing of partners such as Gavi, WHO, and UNITAID through the US$1.2 billion African Manufacturing Accelerator Fund.
We also launched the Continental Cholera Response Plan as Global and AU Champion for Cholera, urging fellow Heads of State to form Presidential Task Forces to drive accountability and coordination in combating outbreaks.
Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia.