Is the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator a decoupling mechanism?

Int Health. 2024 May 7:ihae032. doi: 10.1093/inthealth/ihae032. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

This article explores how the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator can support the sustainable production of vaccines in Africa. It highlights the value of the accelerator in relation to the Regional Vaccine Manufacturing Collaborative. The author proposes that this novel financing instrument should be well-designed and implemented in line with the targets of the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing. It should not be a decoupling tool to appease the institutional environment of the global vaccine market, but a sustainable demonstration of the goodwill and commitment of political and technical leaders to ensure equitable access to routine and epidemic-related vaccines in Africa.

Keywords: decoupling; equitable access; global health; knowledge transfers; partnerships; regulatory system; vaccine manufacturing; vaccines.