The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation’s (DFC) Deputy Chief Executive Officer Nisha Biswal reaffirmed DFC’s commitment to global health partnerships and pandemic preparedness during her visit to Paris on June 20.
Attending the Global Forum for Vaccine Sovereignty and Innovation, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, Biswal highlighted DFC’s collaboration with Gavi and other stakeholders to enhance Africa’s vaccine manufacturing capabilities.
In a significant move to boost vaccine production in Africa, Biswal participated in the launch of Gavi’s African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA).
This initiative aims to support the African Union’s goal of manufacturing at least 60 percent of the continent’s vaccine needs by 2040. DFC’s involvement with Gavi in developing AVMA underscores its role in expanding vaccine access and ensuring sustainable production.
Biswal’s visit also included high-level bilateral meetings with key health organizations such as Proparco, Africa CDC, Aspen Pharmacare, and the Institut Pasteur de Dakar.
She also took part in an International Finance Corporation roundtable on vaccine manufacturing and witnessed the signing of a technology transfer agreement between South African manufacturer Biovac and Korean developer EuBiologics, aimed at increasing production capacity for critical vaccines like those for meningitis and cholera.
The DFC continues to partner with the private sector to finance essential solutions across sectors, maintaining high standards in environmental, human rights, and worker rights considerations.
