Challenges implementing technology transfer as a viable pathway for equitable vaccine production and access

A case study of the mRNA vaccine hub in South Africa

Bibliographic Data

ID15540870
AuthorsOmowamiwa Kolawole (University of Toronto, corresponding author), Caroline B Ncube (0000-0003-0933-937X, University of Cape Town), Jeremy de Beer (0000-0001-9753-3708, University of Johannesburg)
Year2025
Volume20
Issue1
Pages2504698-2504698
Publication date2025-05-27
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueGlobal Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1744-1692 • E-ISSN: 1744-1706
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/17441692.2025.2504698
PMID40424568
OpenAlexW4410764717
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited28

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been renewed calls for more equitable vaccine access. These calls have in turn resulted in interventions to increase vaccine manufacturing capacity as one of the key interventions to address global vaccine access. However, skill gaps in manufacturing capacity point out the critical need for technology transfer and more open science. The World Health Organization-instituted mRNA hub in South Africa has been positioned as an initiative to facilitate technology transfer for building and leveraging vaccine manufacturing capacity in low and middle income countries. Our case study examines the activities of the mRNA vaccine hub, highlighting challenges that can stifle the long-term goals of equitable vaccine production if left unaddressed. The findings suggest that for technology transfer to be effective, there must be sufficient institutional commitment, adequate funding that is fit for purpose, clear terms and an enabling legal and socio-economic environment

Business · Developing country · Economic growth · Economics · International trade · Production (economics · Technology transfer · Biotechnology and Related Fields · Innovation and Socioeconomic Development · Medicine · Virology

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