National Vaccine Institute to produce tetanus-diphtheria vaccine by 2027

The National Vaccine Institute (NVI) has announced that Ghana is on track to produce its first locally manufactured vaccine, a tetanus-diphtheria shot, by 2027. This initiative, which involves a partnership with the Indonesian pharmaceutical firm PT Bio Farma and local company Atlantic Lifesciences Limited, marks a significant step toward establishing a sustainable vaccine manufacturing ecosystem in the country. Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, the Chief Executive Officer of the NVI, revealed these developments during a briefing, emphasizing the goal of reducing Ghana's reliance on imported medical supplies.

According to Dr. Sodzi-Tettey, the project is already in motion, with a technology transfer agreement officially signed to facilitate the local production process. Essential materials required for manufacturing have already begun arriving in the country. The collaboration draws on the expertise of local scientific institutions and private manufacturers to ensure that the complex requirements of vaccine production are met. The NVI head noted that the current focus on the tetanus-diphtheria vaccine will serve as a pilot for future domestic production of other essential immunizations.

Addressing the Public Accounts Committee, Dr. Sodzi-Tettey also defended a GH₵13 million expenditure on training, workshops, and conferences. Amid scrutiny over the Institute’s financial management, he explained that such investments are vital for building domestic capacity in a highly specialized field where Ghana currently lacks sufficient expertise and infrastructure. He argued that training researchers, manufacturers, and regulators is a prerequisite for independent manufacturing, as the process is technically demanding and requires a workforce capable of meeting international safety and quality standards.

In addition to technical preparations, the NVI is prioritizing community engagement to foster public trust in locally produced vaccines. The institute aims to address potential skepticism and improve public acceptance before the first batches are ready for distribution. By building this end-to-end framework—from manufacturing technology to public communication—the government seeks to transform Ghana into a regional hub for vaccine production, ensuring long-term health security under the current administration.