Phrmaceutical Society Nods Zambia, China Deal for Cholera Vaccine Manufacturing

Pharmaceutical Society of Zambia (PSZ) says it is impressed with government’s efforts aimed at ensuring that strengthening the local pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.

Speaking in an interview with Money News, Society Vice President Anita Moyo has since welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Industrial Development Corporation and China to set up a cholera vaccine plant in Zambia.

Ms. Moyo emphasized the importance of collaboration with other countries because a country like Zambia has never been able to manufacture cholera vaccines by itself.

She noted that Zambia recently experienced one of its worst cholera outbreaks in the country’s history, therefore producing its own vaccines is a good step in the right direction.

Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China through JIJIA International Medical Technology Company to establish Zambia’s first vaccine manufacturing plant.

The project which will cost US$37 million under phase one, is expected to produce 3 million doses of cholera vaccines.

Currently, Zambia relies heavily on imported vaccines, a situation that leads to limited accessibility, dependence on foreign suppliers and a drain on foreign exchange.

According to IDC, the initiative aims to close this gap in addressing the pressing challenges in healthcare, public health, safety, and economic development.