Africa-Press – Botswana. A Zambian delegation from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock recently visited Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI) on a benchmarking mission.
Welcoming the delegate, BVI chief executive officer, Mr Andrew Madeswi said BVI strived for global excellence for infectious diseases since its establishment in 1978.
He said its goal was to become Africa’s biggest antigen bank by end of the year, noting that it would increase recurring revenue and reduce delivery time.
With six products currently produced by BVI, Mr Madeswi said they also planned to reduce reliance on Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) revenue by producing other four products at 40 per cent revenue.
He named the six products as: PPR-VAC, virus vaccine against pest ruminants, Aftovax, a vaccine against FMD disease in ruminants, Asymptol, vaccine against taxi-infection, Aftovaxpur, a purified vaccine against FMD disease in ruminants, Carbovax-c which is a vaccine against anthrax prepared from spores and Peribov, a freeze dried vaccine against Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP).
Mr Madeswi said they continued to collaborate with various partners on research and manufacture targeted vaccines for infectious diseases regionally and internationally.
He said Botswana’s success story for containing and managing infectious diseases came from conducting animal vaccine campaigns.
He said the exercise has helped to control outbreaks and to maintain some areas after vaccinating.
Furthermore, he said BVI produced over 25 million doses per annum and that they exported to over 15 countries in Africa and the Middle East.
Responding to the CEO’s remarks, Zambia’s permanent secretary in the ministry, Ms Himba Cheelo said the visit was an eye opener for her and the delegation. She said the two countries should collaborate to better serve one another.
For his part, Zambia’s principal veterinary officer, Dr Cornelius Mundia said they were constructing a laboratory and would need expertise support from BVI.
He expressed gratitude to the institution, noting that they had worked with BVI after their outbreak of FMD.
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