A delegation from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) visited Beijing Institute of Biological Products Co Ltd, a subsidiary of China National Biotec Group Company Limited (CNBG) under China National Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd (Sinopharm), on Dec 17.

A delegation from the Africa CDC visits Beijing Institute of Biological Products Co Ltd on Dec 17, 2024. [Photo provided by Sinopharm]

The delegation was led by Jean Kaseya, director-general of the Africa CDC, who was accompanied by Wang Lili, associate researcher at the Center for Global Public Health of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Africa CDC delegation tours the China Museum of Biological Products on Dec 17, 2024. [Photo provided by Sinopharm]

The Africa CDC delegation tours the production facility for the Sabin strain-based inactivated poliovirus vaccine on Dec 17, 2024. [Photo provided by Sinopharm]

The delegation toured the China Museum of Biological Products and the production facility for the Sabin strain-based inactivated poliovirus vaccine. The visit provided a comprehensive view of CNBG's history, scientific achievements and its vaccine production processes. 

During the subsequent meeting, Sinopharm representatives shared the group’s progress in vaccine registration, clinical trials and localized production initiatives in Africa. They highlighted their experiences and accomplishments in collaborating with African partners and provided updates on the latest advancements in mpox vaccine research. 

Sinopharm and the Africa CDC expressed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the prevention and control of mpox and other infectious diseases. They agreed to work together to advance vaccine development and production, as well as research on and application of diagnostic reagents and therapeutic drugs.

The two sides aim to facilitate localized vaccine production in Africa, enhancing the accessibility and affordability of medical products and contributing to the global fight against infectious diseases.