Sadhavi Chauhan speaks on importance of tech transfers in improving access to medicine in sub-Saharan Africa

Establishing local manufacturing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has been shown to be a powerful tool for creating stronger healthcare ecosystems, stimulating local production and improving sustainable access to essential medicines in local communities. This is especially needed in sub-Saharan Africa, where countries rely on imports for the majority of pharmaceutical products.

The session, “Improving access to health products through technology transfer: Lessons from MAV+ and WHO/MPP mRNA Technology Transfer Programme,” brought key stakeholders together to exchange perspectives on access issues in Africa and foster collaborations for establishing tech transfers on the continent, focusing on lessons from Global Gateway’s MAV+ strategy.

The panel discussion was moderated by Leónidas Leiva, Technical Expert for the Team Europe Support Structure MAV+. Speakers included:

• Sadhavi Chauhan, Government Engagement and Policy, Access to Medicines Foundation

• Charles Gore, Executive Director, Medicines Patent Pool

• Thi Hanh Cao, External Relations Director, DNDi

• Mina Louis, Senior Technical Officer, Africa CDC-PHAHM

• Sander Spanoghe, Policy Officer for Development Cooperation, Flanders Department of Chancellery and Foreign Affairs

• Julia Hochberger, Global Health Expert, Wemos

Panelists explored the details of how to initiate effective technology transfer agreements and ensure partnerships remain equitable, transparent and mutually beneficial. They also discussed their experiences with logistical challenges and corresponding solutions.

Sadhavi discussed the role of pharmaceutical companies in sharing their knowledge and expertise through technology transfer initiatives, emphasising the need to significantly accelerate these efforts across sub-Saharan Africa, and highlighting opportunities for companies to establish tech transfers defined in the 2024 Access to Medicine Index.

About The Team Europe Initiative on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies (MAV+) 

Team Europe works closely with Team Africa, multilateral partners such as WHO, and the private sector to accelerate manufacturing and promote equitable access to health products in Africa through MAV+. Its members include the European Commission, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the European Investment Bank.

MAV+ and the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme is supported by the World Health Organization, Medicines Patent Pool and its partners.