Morocco's pivotal role in vaccine manufacturing highlighted by Africa CDC

The African Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC Africa) has underscored Morocco's significant contribution to vaccine manufacturing and health product development across the continent.

In an article published on its website, the Addis Ababa-based centre emphasized the importance of the Moroccan consortium, led by the Institut Pasteur du Maroc (IPM). This consortium includes Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, the African Academy of Health Sciences, Marbio—a state-of-the-art facility for vaccine filling and finishing—and the Moroccan Agency for Medicines and Health Products.

The article notes that this consortium was designated as a co-host of the Regional Capacity and Competence Network (RCCN) of Africa CDC for North Africa during the second African Union forum on vaccine manufacturing and health products in Cairo last February. This initiative aims to advance regional innovation in vaccines and sustainable bio-manufacturing training on the African continent.

The consortium’s objective is to enhance local vaccine development capabilities and bio-manufacturing, while also training African researchers and health professionals in genomics, virology, and biotechnology.

Collaboration with CDC Africa and other RCCNs is also crucial for harmonizing training, sharing expertise, addressing regulatory challenges, and fostering strategic partnerships to build a sustainable vaccine production ecosystem across the continent.

"Through the RCCN, we are actively committed to training African talents in vaccine bioproduction, filling critical skills gaps, and enhancing the continent's autonomy in vaccine manufacturing," stated Dr. Khalid Zemzoumi, coordinator of the Moroccan co-secretariat of the RCCN for North Africa. He highlighted that this initiative directly supports Africa's aim for vaccine security and reducing health disparities.

Professor Abderrahmane Maaroufi, director of IPM and president of the Moroccan RCCN, noted that "the most remarkable moment was Morocco's selection as a co-organizer of the RCCN North Africa." He added that this recognition crowns years of research, collaboration, and institutional efforts aimed at establishing Morocco as a key player in enhancing vaccine bioproduction capacities in Africa.

Within the framework of the RCCN North Africa, the Moroccan consortium collaborates closely with CDC Africa and its partners to align training programs with the continent's needs, ensuring that technological advancements, regulatory frameworks, and workforce development strategies are implemented coherently.

Through strategic partnerships, joint research projects, workshops, and exchange programs, a sustainable ecosystem for workforce development in vaccine bioproduction is being created, enabling African nations to collectively advance their manufacturing capabilities, according to CDC Africa.

"By leveraging the strength of the Moroccan consortium, the Institut Pasteur du Maroc aims to position the RCCN North Africa as a regional leader in training and innovation in vaccine bioproduction," Professor Maaroufi assured.

"Thanks to initiatives such as the RCCN and the support from CDC Africa, we hope to witness unprecedented change," he expressed, wishing for Africa to emerge as a global player in bio-manufacturing and biopharmaceutical innovation, with a network of highly skilled professionals to carry out the continent's health security agenda.

Chiluba Mwila, senior technical advisor for talent development at CDC Africa, praised Morocco's leadership, noting that the country has developed expertise in bio-manufacturing over several decades. "The fact that IPM is co-hosting the RCCN North Africa presents an opportunity for other member states to benefit from this experience," he said, adding that "the continent stands to gain significantly from the infrastructure and capabilities of IPM and its partners."