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"EU and BioNTech Launch Africa's First mRNA Vaccine Plant in Rwanda"
The launch of Africas first mRNA vaccine plant in Kigali, Rwanda, by BioNTech, backed by the European Investment Bank and the European Commission, marks a pivotal step in enhancing vaccine self-sufficiency on the continent.
- The European Commission is providing a €35 million grant, while the European Investment Bank is offering a loan facility of up to €60 million to support the mRNA vaccine plant in Kigali.
- BioNTechs new facility in Rwanda aims to bolster Africas health security by producing mRNA vaccines, addressing the continents reliance on external vaccine supplies.
- This collaboration, which includes the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, signifies a major investment in Africas healthcare infrastructure and vaccine production capabilities.
Why It Matters
This initiative is crucial for Africas response to health crises, enhancing local vaccine production and reducing dependency on foreign sources, thereby improving overall health security across the continent.