Veterinary experts laud Tanzania’s role in advancing animal health

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has reaffirmed its position as a continental leader in animal health through the production of internationally certified livestock vaccines—strengthening Africa’s drive to eradicate deadly animal diseases, particularly Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), by 2030.

This achievement was highlighted on Thursday, June 19, 2025, during a field visit by veterinary experts from 25 African countries to the Hester Biosciences Africa Limited vaccine manufacturing facility, located in the TAMCO Industrial Zone, Kibaha, Coast Region.

The visit was part of a regional workshop organised by the African Union Pan-African Veterinary Vaccine Centre (AU-PANVAC), held in Dar es Salaam from June 16 to 20.

The forum aimed at developing harmonised continental standards and guidelines for controlling PPR and other transboundary livestock diseases.

AU-PANVAC Director, Dr Bodjo Charles, expressed satisfaction with the plant’s advanced technology, production capacity, and infrastructure.

“We are impressed to witness such a facility on African soil. I believe it will play a vital role in eliminating PPR and similar diseases across the continent,” said Dr Charles as he led delegates.

Hester Biosciences has invested approximately $18 million (over Sh44 billion) in the factory capable of producing 1.5 billion doses annually for 27 livestock diseases using 37 vaccine formulations.

The plant has already exported vaccines to countries including Kenya, Zambia, Botswana, Burundi, Eritrea, Ghana, Mongolia, Nepal, and Israel—further cementing Tanzania’s position as a regional hub for vaccine production and distribution.

During the tour, Hester Biosciences Africa Limited Managing Director, Ms Tina Towo Sokoine, attributed the milestone to pro-investment policies spearheaded by President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan.

“We are proud to support the continent’s animal health agenda. This visit affirms that Africa can build the capacity to manufacture high-quality vaccines that meet global standards,” she said.

Meanwhile, the AU-PANVAC workshop discussed strategies for establishing a unified framework for vaccine quality control, registration, and distribution—ensuring that African countries are better equipped to combat livestock diseases that endanger food security and rural livelihoods.

According to AU-PANVAC, PPR claims thousands of goats and sheep annually, with devastating consequences for smallholder farmers and pastoralist communities.

Its eradication will require coordinated action from governments, the private sector, and regional institutions.

Hester’s operation serves as a model for how private investment can accelerate progress in animal health.

The visit also allowed delegates to observe advanced vaccine production techniques in action, including chick embryo origin, tissue culture, fermentation, and continuous cell line technologies—all essential for ensuring safety, efficacy, and quality of vaccines.

The African Union’s Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) Director, Dr Huyam Salih, commended Tanzania and Hester’s investors.

She emphasised the importance of safeguarding such strategic ventures, which employ local professionals well-versed in regional livestock health challenges.

“I applaud both the government and the investors behind this facility. It is especially encouraging to see young African professionals playing central roles in its operations,” she said.

She added: “This reflects long-term commitment and the potential for sustainable, homegrown solutions to address PPR and other animal diseases.”