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Biovac has begun clinical trials for South Africa’s first domestically developed oral cholera vaccine, a groundbreaking milestone for Africa’s health security.
As an International Finance Corporation (IFC) client, Biovac’s progress signals a major step toward regional vaccine independence and faster emergency response during outbreaks.
Across the continent, displaced and vulnerable populations face heightened exposure to cholera, especially as Africa sits at the frontline of climate-related disasters, from floods to drought, compounded by political instability.
Earlier this year, Kenya was struck by two overlapping crises: the March–April–May (MAM) long rains and a cholera outbreak in flood-affected counties.
According to the Kenya Red Cross Society, flooding in Migori, Kisumu, Nairobi, and Kwale damaged sanitation infrastructure, accelerating disease transmission.
By 13 May, 244 cases and 11 deaths had been reported, marking a concerning 4.5% case fatality rate.
Meanwhile, in Sudan, a silent emergency has been escalating alongside the ongoing conflict. As of September 2025, the Ministry of Health reported more than 2,500 deaths and over 100,000 suspected cholera cases, the country’s worst outbreak in years.
These crises highlight a continent-wide need for timely, affordable, and locally manufactured vaccines.
Biovac’s oral cholera vaccine promises faster, more reliable access during outbreaks and reduces Africa’s dependence on imported doses.
If approved, the vaccine could be available by 2028, representing a game-changing step toward health resilience and self-reliance as climate pressures and political challenges intensify.
For the past three years, IFC has been a central partner in Biovac’s growth story. IFC led a consortium of local and international development finance institutions (DFIs), including South Africa’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), to mobilize financing for the company’s expansion.
In 2023, IFC committed a US$7 million loan (in rand equivalent) to support Biovac’s scale-up and is also providing advisory services for a new multi-vaccine manufacturing plant in Cape Town.
This facility is expected to triple Biovac’s manufacturing capacity, add 4–5 new vaccines to its portfolio, and support both traditional and mRNA platforms, a transformative boost for Africa’s long-term health preparedness.
