Building Africa’s bio-technology capacity in face of rising pandemics

The recent wave of pandemics has brought Africa's lack of preparedness in containing health-related outbreaks into sharp focus, highlighting the need for the continent to invest in establishing proper manufacturing facilities to address the demand for vaccines. CNBC Africa recently sat down with Dr. Menghis Bairu, President and CEO of Bio Sawa Inc., to discuss the steps being taken to enhance Africa's biotechnology capacity. Dr. Bairu, a veteran in the biotechnology industry, shared insights on the importance of building a strong public health system, as well as the impact of setting up biotech facilities in Africa. During the interview, Dr. Bairu emphasized the crucial role of public health systems in containing infectious diseases, such as the recent spread of the Mabag virus in Rwanda. He underscored the need for countries to have robust mechanisms in place to swiftly respond to health crises and contain the spread of infections through proactive measures. Dr. Bairu's extensive experience in the biotechnology field, spanning nearly three decades, positions him as a key driver in advancing healthcare solutions in Africa. One of the key motivations behind Dr. Bairu's work in Rwanda and Kenya is the desire to address the affordability and accessibility of life-saving treatments. Drawing from his experience at Genentech, where he worked on groundbreaking monoclonal antibodies, Dr. Bairu highlighted the disparity in access to advanced therapies between different regions of the world. He shared his vision of making high-quality medications available at a significantly lower cost to patients in Africa, thereby bridging the gap in healthcare disparities and saving more lives. In discussing the scale of investment and expansion beyond Rwanda, Dr. Bairu outlined plans to establish biotech facilities that could serve the larger East African region and potentially West Africa. By leveraging Rwanda's commitment to developing a solid biotech ecosystem, Bio Sawa Inc. aims to contribute to enhancing the continent's capacity to produce pharmaceuticals locally, reducing the current heavy reliance on imports. This move reflects a strategic shift towards self-sufficiency and resilience in the face of global health challenges. Addressing the need for a skilled workforce in the biotechnology sector, Dr. Bairu highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for talented individuals in the field of science and technology within Africa. By nurturing local talent and fostering a culture of innovation, countries can build a thriving ecosystem that supports research, discovery, and development in healthcare. This approach not only enhances healthcare delivery but also unlocks the full potential of Africa's scientific community. Looking ahead, Dr. Bairu emphasized the significant role that public-private partnerships play in advancing biotechnology and healthcare in Africa. By mobilizing financial resources and fostering collaboration between governments and private companies, the continent can accelerate its progress towards self-sufficiency in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Dr. Bairu called for a shift in the narrative surrounding African entities, advocating for increased investment and support to drive innovation and progress in the biotech sector. In conclusion, Dr. Bairu expressed optimism about Africa's capacity to achieve self-sufficiency in healthcare and even become a net exporter of high-quality medical products in the future. By harnessing the continent's potential and leveraging innovative solutions, Africa can not only meet its own healthcare needs but also contribute to global health efforts. The journey towards empowerment and self-reliance in biotechnology represents a transformative opportunity for Africa to shape its health landscape and drive positive change on a global scale.