Zambia Moves to Establish Local Vaccine Production

Zambia has entered into a landmark partnership with the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) to begin local vaccine manufacturing, starting with the cholera vaccine.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed at State House between the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) and IVI, is expected to reduce dependence on imported vaccines and position Zambia as a regional hub for vaccine research, production, and supply.

ZNPHI Director General and Presidential Advisor on Health, Dr. Roma Chilengi, described the collaboration as a “strategic leap forward,” saying it will create opportunities to produce vaccines for both Zambia and the wider African continent.

IVI Director General, Professor Jerome Kim, praised Zambia’s initiative and assured the institute’s full support in the country’s gradual transition toward vaccine development.

Meanwhile, WHO Zambia Country Representative, Dr. Clement Lubasa, welcomed the move as a defining milestone for Africa’s health agenda, noting that Zambia’s entry into vaccine production will strengthen regional health security.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by ZNPHI Director of Health Policy, Diplomacy, and Communications, Doreen Shempela.