Global Gateway will prioritise the security of pharmaceutical supply chains and the development of local manufacturing. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed weaknesses of healthcare systems and the fragility of pharmaceutical supply chains. It also highlighted the wide discrepancy in medical manufacturing capacities around the world.
Continents must be able to manufacture their own vaccines. Therefore, the EU is committed to preventing future health emergencies by strengthening capacities throughout the world.
But health issues extend beyond the pandemic. Thus, Global Gateway will also facilitate investment in infrastructure and the regulatory environment for the local production of medicine and medical technologies. This will help integrate fragmented markets and promote research and cross-border innovation in healthcare, helping us to overcome diseases such as COVID-19, malaria, yellow fever, tuberculosis or HIV/AIDS.
Highlighted projects
The Team Europe Initiative Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies in Africa works with African partners to strengthen sustainable local manufacturing of health products in Africa, to increase equitable access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential vaccines, medicines and health technologies. In 2023 the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) of Ghana’s biologics lab will be operational at biological safety level 3. The FDA itself will reach WHO maturity level 4. In Rwanda, a Masters in Biotech will be launched at the University of Rwanda and a financing agreement will be signed to support the African Medicines Agency and the Africa Centre for Disease Control.
The Partnership on Manufacturing Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies and Strengthening Health Systems boosts Latin America's manufacturing capacity, fosters equitable access to safe and affordable health products, and strengthens health resilience in the region to tackle endemic and emerging diseases. In 2023 a partnership will be launched with the Pan American Health Organisation. Blending agreements will be signed with the Inter-American Development Bank to support the digital transformation of Barbados’ primary acute care facility and the strengthening of primary care services in The Bahamas.
As part of this Team Europe Initiative in 2023, feasibility studies will be launched for the construction of a sanitary landfill, four sewage networks and wastewater treatment plants in Peten, Guatemala.
As part of the Team Europe Initiative for Ecuador, in 2023 a financing agreement will be signed for the expansion and improvement of the drinking water and sanitation systems in Quito, and tenders will be launched for the construction of drinking water, sanitary and storm sewerage services in Portoviejo Municipality.
The Team Europe Initiative on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in Africa aims to contribute to improving sexual and reproductive health and rights in Africa, particularly among adolescent girls and young women.
