Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has announced the launch of a new joint procurement system for medical supplies, covering all 55 member states of the African Union. The initiative was reported by the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), a partner of TV BRICS.

The scheme aims to make medicines, vaccines, and diagnostic tools more accessible, while also supporting local manufacturers in building a resilient pharmaceutical market across the continent. Speaking at a pharmaceutical suppliers’ forum in Ethiopia, officials emphasised that the new system is expected to drive sector growth, lower medical costs, and strengthen supply chains.

Ethiopia’s State Minister of Health, Frehiwot Abebe, noted that joint procurement is particularly crucial in tackling cancer and cardiovascular diseases, as treatments for these conditions are typically costly due to fragmented global demand.

Africa CDC’s local manufacturing coordinator, Abebe Genetu, stated that priority will be given to African-based producers, although some overseas procurement will remain necessary. He also highlighted the importance of developing a skilled workforce for the pharmaceutical industry.

The launch of the continent-wide procurement system is part of a wider ambition to produce 40 per cent of Africa’s vaccines domestically by 2040.

Photo: Jacob Wackerhausen / iStock