The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
Strengthening vaccine production capacity in Ethiopia
UNOPS and the government of Ethiopia are working together to build the country's capacity for vaccine research and development.
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30 December 2025
Ethiopia’s Minister of Health delivered a keynote at an event convening senior leaders, trainers and participants to chart a strategic path forward through stronger institutional linkages and a skilled, connected cohort.
This year, over 120 professionals completed 16 specialized trainings across the vaccine value chain, while 88 experts participated in benchmarking visits to leading facilities in countries including China, India, South Africa, South Korea and Thailand.
This initiative stands as a model of effective multi-stakeholder collaboration, with the World Bank providing funding and strategic support, UNOPS managing operations, and Ethiopian institutions contributing leadership and talents – advancing Ethiopia’s ambition to become a hub for vaccine research and production in Africa.
Through a $3.28 million project, UNOPS will help strengthen Ethiopia's capacity for local vaccine production – reducing its reliance on foreign vaccine supplies, accelerating health crisis response times and opening new avenues for scientific and industrial growth in the region.
“This initiative will contribute toward building a robust framework for vaccine production in Ethiopia, empowering the country to address public health challenges with increased autonomy and resilience,” said Worknesh Mekonnen, Director of UNOPS Multi-Country Office in Ethiopia.
By developing sustainable vaccine manufacturing capabilities, Ethiopia aims to ensure a resilient healthcare infrastructure that can support long-term public health goals.
This project aligns with Ethiopia's broader vision to advance its healthcare sector, improve citizen well-being, and position the country as a leader in vaccine production and public health response in Africa.
Read more here.
