Senegal to receive funding for production of vaccines

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By Biran Gaye

Senegal is set to receive funding for the production of vaccines aimed at preventing various diseases and strengthening the country’s health response capacity, according to reports.

The West African country is among the countries that will benefit from US$1 billion in funding at the Global Forum for Vaccine Sovereignty and Innovation.

Co-organized by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) and the African Union (AU), the President of the Republic, BassirouDiomaye Faye, is expected in Paris this Wednesday to participate in this major event.

Held in Paris this week, this meeting will bring together various international actors, including governments, international organizations, pharmaceutical companies and NGOs, to discuss strategies and funding needed to strengthen vaccine production in developing countries.

The Minister of Health and Social Action of Senegal highlighted the importance of this fund for the country.

“This funding will allow us to make significant progress in the local production of vaccines, thus contributing to better health autonomy,” the minister was quoted as saying by reports.

“The initiative aims to reduce our dependence on imported vaccines and improve our preparedness and response to epidemics.”