The International Vaccine Institute Establishes Regional Headquarters in Rwanda
The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) will open an Africa regional office in Kigali this year. This will help the African continent become self-sufficient in vaccine research and boost access to vaccines.
The Board of Directors of the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) has approved Rwanda as a suitable location for its headquarters in Africa. following a detailed evaluation of proposals from five countries to host the regional office.
The Director General of IVI, Dr. Jerome Kim, highlighted that they are happy to announce that Rwanda will be the recipient of this family’s award in the region.
He said that the new office will help expand IVI’s operations on the African continent and improve collaboration aimed at improving vaccine production.
He said, “The IVI office in Africa found it appropriate to be in Kigali, and we are happy with the contribution of the Ministry of Health and the University of Rwanda, which will be our technical partner.”
The Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin NSANZIMANA, said that receiving this office confirms the positive progress the country is making in reducing the gap in terms of access to vaccines on the African continent.
“Hosting the IVI Office in Africa is another step towards Africa’s self-sufficiency in building a sustainable health sector, and we are proud to be the headquarters of this organization,” he said.
In June 2022, Rwanda became a member of the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), which is responsible for discovering, manufacturing, and providing safe and affordable vaccines worldwide.
Rwanda applied to join the IVI based on the vision of this global cooperation center to make vaccines available and accessible to all without inequality. This is the best way to eradicate epidemics and promote effective vaccination programs on all continents.
