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The city of Cape Town is hosting the construction of this factory where so-called second generation vaccines will be developed, supposed to fight the Covid-19 virus more effectively.
With our correspondent in Johannesburg, Roman Song
The investment of around 170 million euros (3 billion rand) over several years is led by billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong, who made his fortune in biotechnology. This entrepreneur was born in the South African city of Port-Elizabeth and it was in his native country that he wanted to invest to put an end to the vaccine inequality that was revealed by the pandemic. He describes this situation as ” sanitary apartheid », just like President Cyril Ramaphosa.
« We have developed a new vaccine, a second generation vaccine and we want to manufacture it in Africa, for Africa, and export it all over the world. Our goal is to build a sustainable industry, not just a product, but a 21st century biotech industry “, did he declare.
At his side, President Cyril Ramaphosa savors this moment as a victory. The South African President described the launch as ” milestone in Africa’s march towards health, progress and prosperity “. Since the start of the pandemic, he has been the spokesperson for the continent in denouncing vaccine inequality. ” Today we demonstrate our progress towards a self-sufficient continent and we should be proud of what we have achieved. The chains of colonialism are breaking little by little. »
South Africa should be the first step in a continental expansion of Patrick Soon-Shiong’s factories. Next destinations: Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda. Objective: one billion doses per year by 2025. Vaccines once morest Covid-19 of course, but also once morest HIV, tuberculosis and cancer thanks to a technology transfer carried out by the companies of Patrick Soon-Shiong .
