September 4, 2025, LUSAKA, Zambia — The Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) and International Vaccine Institute (IVI) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen Zambia’s end-to-end capacity for vaccine and therapeutic innovation. The collaboration positions Zambia as a regional leader in sustainable vaccine production and health security.

The signing ceremony took place at the State House of Zambia and was witnessed by senior government officials, representatives from the global health and development community, local partners, and manufacturers including the Ministry of Health of Zambia, World Health Organization, Industrial Development Corporation, private pharmaceutical companies, among others. The MoU underscores the commitment of H.E Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia and African Union Champion on Cholera, to building resilient health systems and supporting regional vaccine self-reliance.

President Hichilema reaffirmed the country’s leadership role in regional health innovation: “Zambia will take the lead in local products manufacturing, and we hope other countries can join to improve the well-being of people across the region.”

Special Assistant to the President-Health and Director General, ZNPHI, Prof Roma Chilengi, said: “This partnership with IVI is a historic step for Zambia’s health security. It will allow us not only to strengthen our scientific and technical capacity, but it  will also create a conducive environment in which vaccines are readily accessible and affordable for all Zambians and our neighbours.”

The Director General of IVI, Dr Jerome H. Kim, added: “IVI is proud to partner with the Zambia National Public Health Institute as Zambia takes a leadership role in strengthening regional vaccine capacity. By working together across the full vaccine value chain, from pre-clinical development to manufacturing and market access, we can help realize the African Union’s vision for vaccine production and build a sustainable, collaborative ecosystem in Africa.”

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Zambia’s efforts to advance the local vaccine manufacturing and contribute to regional health equity through innovation, capacity building, and sustainable vaccine supply.

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About ZNPHI

The Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) is the country’s technical agency for public health security, responsible for surveillance, preparedness, research, and capacity building to protect the health of Zambians.

About IVI

The International Vaccine Institute (IVI), an international organization, discovers, develops, and delivers safe, effective, and affordable vaccines—empowering vaccine equity, impact, and sustainability globally.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Dr Doreen Shempela, Director, Public Health Policy Diplomacy and Communications, doreen.shempela@znphi.gov.zm

Aerie Em, Global Communications & Advocacy Manager, aerie.em@www.ivi.int