Kigali, March 28, 2025 – The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Regional Economic Community (REC) representatives and other stakeholders convened for a consultative workshop to strengthen coordination between regional pooled procurement mechanisms (PPMs) and the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism (APPM), as well as to discuss the modalities for the establishment of joint information sharing platform.
Co-hosted by the East African Community (EAC) and the University of Rwanda/EAC Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization and Health Supply Chain Management (UR/EAC RCE-VIHSCM), the workshop aimed to align the efforts of Africa CDC and the RECs to create a holistic, coordinated, and synergistic approach to pooled procurement
The University of Rwanda (UR), through the East African Community Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization, and Health Supply Chain Management (EAC RCE-VIHSCM), and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) proudly co-hosted the 23rd International Vaccinology Course (IVC) from September 2-6, 2024, in Kigali, Rwanda.
Under the theme “Vaccine to Vaccination: From Science to Society,” the course brought together 200+ participants from 81 countries, including 30 healthcare professionals from EAC Partner States, who were sponsored by the EAC RCE-VIHSCM. The event took place at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, with nearly 100 participants joining from Kigali.
Dr Raymond Ndikumana, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Strategic Planning and Administration at the University of Rwanda, expressed enthusiasm about co-hosting the event, emphasizing the strategic partnership between IVI and UR. “We are thrilled to co-host this year’s IVC, reflecting not only the strong partnership between IVI and UR but also the recognition of the vital work being done at the UR’s EAC RCE-VIHSCM. At UR, we are committed to supporting Rwanda’s vision of becoming a vaccine manufacturing hub by training and producing a skilled workforce in this field.”
The course explored key topics such as overcoming challenges in vaccine usage, shaping vaccine markets, ensuring sustainable supply chains, and maintaining public trust in vaccines. It also covered practical aspects of vaccine distribution and strategies for expanding global access to immunization.
This year’s IVC was held at three locations: the IVI Headquarters in Seoul, Kigali, Rwanda (co-hosted by the University of Rwanda through the EAC RCE-VIHSCM), and Stockholm, Sweden (co-hosted by Karolinska Institutet). This historic edition marked the first time the IVC was hosted in Africa, highlighting the region’s growing role in global vaccinology and its commitment to advancing public health through education, innovation, and capacity building.
Dr. Anh Wartel, IVI Deputy Director General and Dr Raymond Ndikumana, UR Deputy Vice Chancellor for Strategic Planning & Administration during the conference
The EAC RCE-VIHSM in collaboration with the EAC Secretariat are a step closer to launching EAC Pooled Procurement Mechanism (PPM) for health commodities following technical meetings held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Entebbe, Uganda. These discussions aimed at refining, testing, and finalizing the phase of the PPM information sharing portal.
The first of these meetings this quarter, the Digital Health, Data, Technical & Innovations (DIDATI) Expert Working Group (EWG), convened to assess and refine the Digital Information Sharing Platform that forms the backbone of the PPM took place in Dar es Salaam from July 1-6, 2024. Attended by Pooled Procurement Mechanism Supply Chain Focal Persons, Digital Health Experts, and key stakeholders from Ministries of Health in the EAC region, the meeting focused on improving the platform’s functionality, security, and usability to ensure it serves the diverse needs of all involved parties.
A second Expert Working Group (EWG) convened in Entebbe, Uganda, from August 5-16, 2024 focused on testing and finalize the platform with input from regional Digital Health Facilitators, System Architects, Developers, and Digital Health Officers. This phase aimed to ensure that the platform was fully aligned with the technical specifications and ready for implementation by end users. The meeting culminated in the successful sign-off of the digital platform’s development, marking a significant milestone toward its full rollout.
These consultations are a key component of the EAC’s efforts to roll out the PPM and build trust among Partner States, ensuring that the system is fit for purpose. The new platform is expected to significantly reduce costs, improve transparency, and increase access to essential medicines and medical supplies for the East African population. Once fully implemented, the EAC Pooled Procurement Mechanism will be a key driver in strengthening health systems in the EAC region, with the potential to improve health outcomes for people in the region.
The EAC RCE-VIHSCM and the EAC Secretariat are now preparing for the final rollout phase of the digital platform.
The University of Rwanda/EAC Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines (EAC RCE-VIHSCM) was honored to facilitate the donation of two mobile vaccination clinics including 20 vaccine storage fridges to Rwanda, made possible through its collaboration with Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi (AKUH,N). Valued at RWF 490 million (€327,000), the donation was formally received by Prof. Dr. Claude Muvunyi, Director General of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre on November 5th, 2024.
This donation, financed by the German government through the German Development Bank (KfW), is set to enhance Rwanda’s immunization program and ensure that vital vaccination services reach different parts of the country.
During the handover, Prof. Muvunyi expressed his deep gratitude to AKUH,N and the Federal Republic of Germany. He highlighted that this support would be critical in maintaining high vaccination coverage nationwide and ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against preventable diseases.
Shekar Iyer, the Chief Operations Officer of AKUH,N, remarked that the donation reflects the Aga Khan Development Network’s commitment to improving the quality of life in the communities where it operates. “We are excited to partner with the Government of Rwanda to increase access to immunization, a critical aspect of a healthy nation,” Iyer stated. He added that this partnership embodies the core values of the Aga Khan Development Network—creating a lasting impact and increasing access to quality care for all.
Philippe Taflinski, Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Rwanda, noted that “even though the COVID-19 pandemic has faded from our minds, current developments, in particular the recent outbreak of MPOX and the Marburg Virus, underline that adequate medical infrastructure remains key to respond to any kind of quickly emerging public health challenges. This includes the capability to quickly deliver medical services and conduct vaccination campaigns even in remote areas. Germany reiterates its commitment to collaborating with Rwanda and the East African Community (EAC) in this regard, working closely with European partners through the Team Europe Initiative on manufacturing and access to vaccines, medicines and health technologies in Africa (MAV+)”
The EAC RCE’s role in facilitating such impactful partnerships is testament to Centre’s dedication to advancing public health in the region.
The EAC RCE-VIHSCM was delighted to participate in a consultative workshop organized by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from August 29-30, 2024. The event, which brought together regional stakeholders from across Africa, focused on developing the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism (APPM). The aim of the workshop was to call for collaboration between Africa CDC and the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in driving the African Pooled Procurement initiative forward. These regional communities play a key role in coordination of the health products manufacturing agenda, and other existing initiatives in the region.
Representatives from several key RECs in attendance, included delegates from the East African Community (EAC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN SAD), the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). The EAC RCE-VIHSCM’s active participation underscored its commitment to advancing the health and pharmaceutical sectors within the region and beyond.
Progress on the EAC Pooled Procurement Mechanism
During the workshop, Dr. Stephen Karengera, the Director of EAC RCE-VIHSCM, delivered a presentation on behalf of the EAC, outlining the progress made in developing the EAC Pooled Procurement Mechanism (PPM) such as completion of a comprehensive market survey, identification of key tracer items for each Member State as well as the development and validation of an information-sharing platform for the procurement mechanism. This platform will serve as a vital tool in enhancing coordination and information exchange among stakeholders, ensuring a smoother, more responsive procurement process.
Dr. Karengera also updated participants about the Centre’s ongoing training, postgraduate and short course programmes offered to healthcare professionals in the EAC region and beyond.
The Next Phase of the EAC PPM
As the EAC progresses towards the next phase of the PPM establishment, the remaining key steps include the official launch of the procurement platform, the establishment of procurement sub-committees within each Member State, and the creation of a dedicated PPM Secretariat. With additional support from the African Development Bank, these developments will boost the EAC’s capacity to procure and distribute critical health products more efficiently and equitably across the region.
In the spirit of collaboration, the EAC RCE together with the University of Rwanda and the Centre of Excellence in Biological Engineering and E-Health (UR/CEBE), co-hosted a productive consultative meeting with a distinguished Chinese delegation.
The meeting convened a distinguished delegation from China, officials and academicians from the University of Global Health Equity and the University of Rwanda. These consultations provided an opportunity for the EAC RCE representatives to engage in discussions with Professor George Fu Gao, Director of the Institute of Microbiology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, along with senior academics from Zhejiang University, focused on exploring potential collaborations in joint research, training initiatives.
The Chinese delegation also engaged in the Global Health Partnerships Symposium on August 8, 2024, organized by the University of Rwanda and the University of Global Health Equity. EAC RCE-VIHSCM students actively participated in an interactive panel discussion during the event, which provided a platform for exchanging ideas. This interactive session was graced by the presence of the Honorable Minister of Health, Dr Sabin Nsanzimana.
Event photos for the visit of Chinese delegates
From November 4-15, 2024, the EAC RCE-VIHSCM successfully delivered its first overseas regional Cold Chain Equipment Management (CCEM) training for Pacific Island Countries (PICs) in collaboration with UNICEF Fiji and Fiji National University (FNU).
Event photos from Fiji National University
The ten-day workshop was hosted at the College of Engineering and Technical Vocational Education and Training (CETVET)-FNU, where 33 participants, including logisticians, technicians, and biomedical engineers from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Samoa, Tonga, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Palau, and Vanuatu attended.
The CCEM and Remote Temperature Management (RTM) training aimed to enhance expertise in managing cold chain equipment, focusing on the efficient storage, transportation, and handling of temperature-sensitive vaccines. Participants were equipped with in-depth knowledge of Cold Chain Equipment management, supporting the integrity and reliability of the cold chain system.
This initiative stemmed from the findings of the Effective Vaccine Management Assessment (EVMA) conducted across 11 PICs in 2023/24, which highlighted significant gaps in vaccine management practices that need to be addressed.
The program, which included theoretical sessions, practical hands-on training, and an on-site field visit to a vaccine store warehouse, was highly appreciated by participants, who expressed a strong desire for more of such training in the future to improve the cold chain management practices in Pacific Island.
The success of this workshop not only marks a key step in strengthening cold chain management across the Pacific region but also highlights the importance of collaboration for the EAC RCE-VIHSCM in supporting talent development for vaccine management in the region and beyond.
The EAC Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization and Health Supply Chain Management in close collaboration with the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat, successfully conducted a trial run and showcase of the EAC Pooled Procurement Mechanism (PPM) Digital Platform for Information Sharing in Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania, on Friday, October 11, 2024.
This landmark event gathered Permanent Secretaries/Principal Secretaries/Under Secretaries and other key participants from the EAC Partner States, including Heads/CEOs of Central/National Medical Stores, Chief Pharmacists, and Heads of Digital Health from ministries responsible for health.
The Pooled Procurement Information Sharing platform was developed after extensive engagements and consultations with key stakeholders from the EAC Partner States, as was directed during the 18th Ordinary Meeting of the East African Community (EAC) Sectoral Council of Ministers of Health. It comes as a key initiative aimed at improving access to affordable and quality-assured medicines across the region.
Dr. Harriet Akello Pasquale, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health in South Sudan and Chairperson of the meeting remarked, “Today marks a defining moment for us all. The development of this Digital Platform for Information Sharing is not just a technological achievement, it is a strategic tool that will transform how we, as EAC Partner States, collaborate to ensure the availability of high-quality, affordable medicines for our citizens. The demonstration shared has clearly shown that the system is fully functional, ready for deployment, and will enable seamless sharing of critical health data across borders, thus enhancing transparency, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in procurement processes.
Hon. Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, EAC Deputy Secretary General for Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, stated, “We have no doubt that the common Pooled Procurement will significantly contribute to the achievement of EAC Vision 2050, the aspirations of the African Union Agenda 2063, and the Sustainable Development Goals. This initiative will accelerate the implementation of the EAC Common Market Protocol and ultimately improve the well-being of East Africans. I commend the relentless efforts of our Partner States’ experts and the leadership of the EAC Sectoral Council of Ministers of Health; the EAC Secretariat in collaboration with the EAC Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines Immunization and Health Supply Chain Management, for working tirelessly and enabling us to come this far.”
The EAC PPM envisions a sustainable and cost-efficient supply chain for health commodities, potentially saving EAC countries up to $1.15 billion annually by streamlining procurement processes. This initiative not only aims to improve access to medicines but also empowers the EAC to shape its pharmaceutical market, ensuring demand and incentivizing local manufacturing.
This initiative has received significant support from various partners, including the German Financial Cooperation through the German Development Bank (KfW), the African Development Bank, the World Bank, Sida, GAVI, and UNICEF. Their contributions are very instrumental in driving the successful implementation of the EAC PPM.
The successful trial run serves as a precursor to the final launch of the EAC Pooled Procurement Mechanism, set to take place during the upcoming 25th Sectoral Council of Ministers of Health.
Hearty congratulations to our 4th cohort Master’s in Health Supply Chain Management graduates! Your hard work has paid off! Best wishes as you continue to make a difference in the health supply chain field in the EAC region and beyond
12 participants from #EAC Partner States, supported by @eacrcevihsm, are set to gain valuable learning experience from the ongoing 2-week ’ 2024 Introductory Course for Biologics Development and Manufacturing’ training, hosted by
@IVIHeadquarters in Seoul, South Korea!
As part of our ongoing upskilling endeavors, this aligns with the commitment of the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM) Framework for Action which seeks to empower Africa’s vaccine and pharmaceutical industries to become self-sufficient.
