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Tanzanian VP calls for local vaccine production to fight cholera in Africa
What you need to know:
- The summit was convened by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and brought together leaders from across the continent, key health, water and finance officials, and representatives from international organisations including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
Dodoma. Vice President Dr Philip Mpango has said Africa must prioritise local production of vaccines and health products as part of sustainable strategies to combat cholera outbreaks across the continent.
Dr Mpango made the remarks on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 while representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan at an extraordinary virtual summit of African Heads of State and Government on the cholera situation.
The summit was convened by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and brought together leaders from across the continent, key health, water and finance officials, and representatives from international organisations including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
In his address, Dr Mpango said the continent needs to strengthen early warning systems capable of detecting potential cholera outbreaks, while simultaneously building capacity for the production of vaccines and other health-related commodities.
“There is a pressing need for Africa to move towards self-sufficiency in health supplies. We must invest in local vaccine production and develop robust surveillance systems that can quickly identify cholera risks,” he said.
He underscored the importance of inclusive approaches in the fight against cholera and other public health threats.
“We need to adopt multi-sectoral strategies that ensure access to clean and safe water, improved sanitation, proper waste management, and comprehensive community hygiene education, including boiling water and regular handwashing.”
The Vice President called on international partners and the United Nations to work closely with the African Union to ensure cholera elimination efforts are prioritised in line with WHO’s goal of reducing cholera cases by 90 percent by the year 2030.
Despite cholera being a preventable and treatable disease, Dr Mpango noted that it continues to claim lives in Africa.
“As of May 2025, cholera has claimed an estimated 2,600 lives on the continent,” he said.
He added that Tanzania has implemented a number of initiatives aimed at containing the disease, including coordinated action across key sectors and mobilisation of domestic resources.
“Tanzania has adopted a whole-of-government approach, engaging various ministries, agencies and stakeholders in prevention efforts. Community participation has been essential, supported through public health campaigns, the involvement of religious and traditional leaders, and hygiene education in schools,” he said.
Other heads of state and government participating in the summit echoed the need for joint efforts, information sharing and the adoption of best practices to end cholera in Africa.
They stressed the importance of regional coordination and solidarity in implementing effective solutions.
The summit concluded with a renewed commitment to reinforce health systems, address conflict-related vulnerabilities, and improve access to essential services that contribute to cholera prevention and control.
