Daily Post Nigeria Launch of vaccine initiative in Paris missed opportunity for Africa- Amref Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Health Launch of vaccine initiative in Paris missed opportunity for Africa- Amref Published on June 7, 2024 By Chika Onyesi Amref Health Africa has criticised the decision to schedule the launch of the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA) initiative in Paris rather than on the African continent, describing the move as a missed opportunity for Africa. The launch, to be co-hosted by France, the African Union and Gavi, is an initiative focused on exploring Africa’s vaccine manufacturing abilities. Speaking on the sidelines of the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Dr Githinji Gitahi of Amref Health Africa maintained that Africa is striving to enhance its vaccine manufacturing capabilities and hosting the launch on African soil would signify the continent’s ownership and leadership in the initiative.
A statement by Maureen Cherongis, Amref Health Africa’s Media and External Relations Officer|quoted Dr Gitahi as saying that hosting the event on African soil would ”promote localisation and send a clear message that Africa is not merely a beneficiary but a leader in its health future.” “We have to realize that the community is where the power is based. To serve the communities better, we must shift our mindset and give up our power.
That is the challenge of localization: surrendering power makes us feel vulnerable and u.