International agreements to localize the production of medicines and vaccines at the African Medical Conference
Unified Procurement Authority: Global crises have reshaped health security priorities
Written by Ziad Abdel Fattah:
The second day of the fifth edition of the African Medical Exhibition and Conference witnessed«Africa Health ExCon 2026»It gained significant momentum with the participation of ministers, experts and leaders of the health sector from various African and international countries, to discuss mechanisms for enhancing health sovereignty in the continent and localizing medical and pharmaceutical industries, under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, with the participation of more than 400 local, regional and international companies and an attendance exceeding 45,000 visitors.”.
Agreement between the Egyptian Drug Authority and GSK to develop vaccines and specialized medicines
On the sidelines of the conference, the Egyptian Drug Authority signed a memorandum of understanding with the British company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to cooperate in the fields of research and development and the production of vaccines and specialized medicines, especially in the fields of respiratory diseases, tumors and immunity, in the presence of Dr. Ali Al-Ghamrawi, Chairman of the Egyptian Drug Authority, and Dr. Adel Al-Adawi, former Minister of Health.
Unified Procurement Authority: Localizing the vaccine industry has become a strategic necessity
During a session on prequalification for the World Health Organization, Dr. Hisham Badr, Vice President of the Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement, stressed that global disruptions and changes have radically altered countries’ health priorities, explaining that the challenge is no longer just about obtaining vaccines, but about having the ability to manufacture them locally and ensuring their availability during crises.
He pointed out that the Egyptian state has placed the localization of the vaccine industry at the top of its priorities, which has contributed to attracting large foreign investments thanks to the governance and transparency of the Egyptian health system.
New memoranda of understanding in the pharmaceutical and medical tourism sectors
The conference witnessed the signing of a number of memoranda of understanding by the International Pharmaceutical Students“ Federation – Middle East Office, with the Arab Hospitals Federation, the Global Healthcare Travel Council and Intervia International, as part of preparations for the annual Middle East Pharmacists Forum and to enhance cooperation in the fields of medical tourism and professional development.
Cleopatra Hospitals Group also signed a memorandum of understanding with the global company “AbbVie” with the aim of improving the patient treatment journey and providing innovative treatment solutions, in a move that enhances cooperation between the medical and pharmaceutical sectors.
The Supreme Council for Accreditation reviews its international successes
In a special session organized by the Supreme Council for Accreditation, Engineer Mohammed Hassan, Executive Director of the National Accreditation Council, reviewed the Council’s progress in obtaining regional and international accreditations and recognitions, stressing that the Council now has the largest scope of accreditation in the world in 13 different fields, with its activities extending to about 24 countries.
Artificial intelligence and prevention are at the forefront of health discussions.
The «From Screening to Prevention» session discussed the importance of early detection, primary health care, and leveraging data and artificial intelligence to build healthier and more sustainable communities, while also reviewing the Russian experience in preventive medicine and periodic screening programs for the population.
The nursing sessions also highlighted the global challenges facing the profession, most notably the shortage of human resources, while emphasizing the importance of employing artificial intelligence technologies to support healthcare workers and improve the quality of medical services.
Live demonstrations of the latest laser and robotic prostate cancer treatment technologies
The urology sessions witnessed the transmission of advanced live surgical procedures for the treatment of prostate enlargement and cancer, including the technique of local laser resection guided by image, in addition to reviewing the latest applications of robotic surgery in prostate removal, with the participation of a select group of Egyptian and international experts.
Specialized sessions addressed the future of cancer control in Africa, where AstraZeneca reviewed the efforts of the Cancer Patient Care Initiative in Africa, and the role of Egyptian presidential initiatives in the early detection of tumors, especially breast cancer.
A special session also discussed ways to enhance sustainable access to treatment for thalassemia patients (Mediterranean anemia), and reviewed the results of the premarital screening initiative, which has successfully screened more than 5 million citizens since its launch in 2023.
Regarding the hemophilia file, representatives of the government and the health sector confirmed that hemophilia patients have priority in treatment plans and insurance coverage, with continued cooperation between the state and pharmaceutical companies to ensure the provision of the latest treatments.
One Health and Confronting Climate Change
A specialized session also discussed the effects of climate change on public health and the spread of diseases in Africa, with the introduction of an initiative to create a regional platform to coordinate health and climate efforts according to the concept of “One Health”, which links human, animal and environmental health.
The «Africa Health ExCon 2026» conference continues its activities until June 18, confirming Egypt’s position as a leading regional center in supporting African health integration, localizing medical industries and enhancing health security on the continent.
