On 21 February 2024, the African Union Commission and the US Defence Threat Reduction Agency (US-DTRA) laid the foundation stone for the laboratory complex of the African Union Pan-African Veterinary Vaccine Centre (AU-PANVAC). This partnership between the AU and the US government represents an innovative collaboration to advance veterinary science and ensure the health and productivity of livestock in Africa.
The African Union Commission in partnership with the U.S Defense Threat Reduction Agency (US-DTRA) on February 21, 2024, embarked on the construction of the New Laboratory Complex of the African Union Pan African Veterinary Vaccine Centre (AU-PANVAC). This is a shared commitment by the African Union and the United States of America to address the common challenges in controlling animal diseases for sustainable livestock production for food security and nutrition and poverty reduction in Africa and beyond. The African Union aims to elevate veterinary science in Africa.
“I am convinced that the ultra-modern architecture of PANVAC’s future laboratory complex will enable it to strengthen its position as a center of excellence for research, development, and technology transfer for the production of veterinary vaccines in Africa to protect the livestock on which so many of our communities depend. Our vision goes beyond the walls of the laboratory”.
Moussa Faki Mahamat , Chairperson of the African Union Commission – Chad
This state-of-the-art facility will not only align with international standards on biosafety and biosecurity but will also empower the Center to fulfill its mandate more effectively.The AU-PANVAC is intended to serve as a platform for collaboration, bringing together experts, researchers and policymakers from across the continent with the objective to address the unique veterinary challenges faced by different regions, promote a Pan-African approach to disease prevention and control in order to achieve the 2063 Agenda for Africa.
“Together, let us continue our journey to ensure good quality vaccines to control animal diseases and ensure public health in Africa as we build a resilient ecosystem and a healthier future for our Continent”.
Moussa Faki Mahamat , Chairperson of the African Union Commission – Chad
At the forefront of the fight against animal and zoonotic diseases, with a mission to Promote the use of good quality vaccines and reagents for the control and eradication of animal diseases in Africa, the AU-PANVAC center was officially launched in 2004 as a Specialized Technical Office of the African Union. Valued at 56 million USD, the new 3.9 hectare facility is expected to meet the highest international standards in biosafety and biosecurity. The AU-PANVAC laboratory complex is not only a center of scientific excellence, but also a symbol of international cooperation and shared commitment to a prosperous and resilient Africa.