Massachusetts, US-based biotechnology and pharmaceuticals firm Moderna is set to build a manufacturing facility in Kenya to produce mRNA vaccines, including those for COVID-19. The state-of-the-art mRNA facility in Africa is expected to produce up to 500 million doses of vaccines each year.
The Company anticipates investing up to $500 million in the new facility, which will focus on drug substance manufacturing on the continent of Africa for the continent of Africa.
“We are celebrating one of the greatest things that have possibly happened since the onset of COVID-19 at the African continent,” President Kenyatta said after witnessing the signing of the memorandum of understanding between Kenya and Moderna.
The President reiterated the challenges faced by the African continent during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was not because of a lack of finances to buy the vaccines but because the vaccines were not available for them for purchase.
“We are truly grateful, for this and I think it will be transformative not just in helping us with the current pandemic but also preparing the continent of Africa for future pandemics,” he stated.
“Battling the COVID-19 pandemic over the last two years has provided a reminder of the work that must be done to ensure global health equity. Moderna is committed to being a part of the solution and today, we announce another step in this journey – an investment in the Republic of Kenya to build a drug substance mRNA manufacturing facility capable of supplying up to 500 million doses for the African continent each year,” said Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer of Moderna.
He said the mRNA global public health vaccine program, including vaccine programs against HIV and Nipah, will ensure sustainable access to transformative mRNA innovation on the African continent.
