UNOPS and the Government of Ethiopia Partner to Build the Country's Capacity for Vaccine Research and Development

UNOPS and the Ministry of Health of the Government of Ethiopia formalized a $3.28 million project agreement aimed to build the capacity of the Ministry in sustainable vaccine research and development in Ethiopia. This initiative is designed to enhance public health and reduce the country’s dependency on imported vaccines, empowering Ethiopia to meet current and future public health needs with local solutions.

The primary objective of this project is to strengthen Ethiopia's capacity for local vaccine production, reducing reliance on foreign vaccine supplies, accelerating health crisis response times, and opening new avenues for scientific and industrial growth in the region. By developing sustainable vaccine manufacturing capabilities, Ethiopia aims to ensure a resilient healthcare infrastructure that can support long-term public health goals.

To achieve these goals, the project will focus on two core areas:

• Experience-Sharing Visit for Benchmarking: Ethiopian officials and scientists will participate in an experience-sharing visit to leading global vaccine manufacturing facilities. This visit will allow the delegation to establish benchmarks and adopt best practices in vaccine research, development, and production, providing a strong framework for Ethiopia's vaccine manufacturing infrastructure.
• Capacity Building for Staff: Targeted training programs will equip Ethiopian experts with essential skills in cutting-edge vaccine manufacturing techniques, establishing a skilled, locally driven workforce. This will lay a strong foundation for a proficient, sustainable vaccine manufacturing industry in Ethiopia.

Ms. Worknesh Mekonnen, Director of the Ethiopia Multi-Country Office of UNOPS and Representative to the African Union, stated, “This initiative will contribute toward building a robust framework for vaccine production in Ethiopia, empowering the country to address public health challenges with increased autonomy and resilience.”

This project aligns with Ethiopia's broader vision to advance its healthcare sector, improve citizen well-being, and position the country as a leader in vaccine production and public health response in Africa.