ACCRA, Ghana, 30 October 2020 / PRN Africa / --

UK government has pledged a 450,000 pounds support package to help Ghana's Pharmaceutical Sector to adapt and build back better in the wake of COVID-19

Since its inception in 2018, the Ghana-UK Business Council (UKGBC) has overseen millions of pounds of new UK investment in Ghana, supported a targeted development assistance programme and built and strengthened partnerships between UK and Ghanaian institutions. The pharmaceutical sector is one of the key areas of focus for the UKGBC.

That is why this week the UK government (Monday 26th October) has pledged a package of support to Ghana's pharmaceutical sector, pledging a 450,000 pounds support package that will help the sector to adapt and build back better in the wake of COVID-19.

This new support will

1- Strengthen vaccine production and delivery by building private sector capacity and creating new partnerships;

2- help firms to address vulnerabilities in their supply chains and undertake R&D for new medicines but in support of COVID-19 and other common diseases.

3- improve manufacturing practises making sure they are in line with global requirements for the industry.

4- Support and improve pharmaceutical policy and regulations.

This funding will also support pharmaceutical companies to put in place COVID-19 prevention measures to prevent C-19 transmissions.

Speaking at an event to launch the project, Philip Smith Development Director for the British High Commission to Ghana said:

"I sincerely believe that this new support will help Ghana to increase manufacturing capacity for essential drugs, achieve its aim of becoming a regional hub for pharmaceuticals as well as fostering strong links with UK pharmaceutical companies.

"Through collaboration, innovation and the UK-Ghana partnership, we are committed to seeing a prosperous and healthy Ghana, able to build back better in the wake of COVID-19."

The UK remains at the forefront of the global response to the pandemic – pledging 764 million pounds of UK aid to stop the spread of COVID-19, develop vaccines and save lives. As one of the leading donors to the WHO led Global Access to Covid-19 tools programme (ACT-accelerator), the UK government is supporting the development of diagnostics, treatments and a vaccine.

SOURCE British High Commission Accra