An important pneumonia bacteria vaccine will be made in South Africa within the next five years, following a partnership between the global pharmaceutical giant, Pfizer; the local biotechnology organization, Biovac Institute; and the Department of Science and Technology.
The vaccine, Prevenar 13, has proven to be effective in preventing pneumococcal infection in children from six weeks to five years old and in adults of 50 years and older. It will be manufactured at Biovac’s new commercial-scale facility in Cape Town.This move fulfils several of the goals of the National Development Plan Vision 2030, including ensuring access to health care for all South Africans and enhancing South Africa’s competitiveness in the field of medicine and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Science Minister Naledi Pandor officially launched the public-private partnership on 3 November.
