Thread by @LLopezGonzalez

[Thread] #Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel has confirmed the #COVID19vaccine maker is exploring a possible plant in #Africa. Here’s why experts think mRNA technology could finally put Africa in control of its vaccine supply — and its outbreaks. #Covid19 bit.ly/mRNAinAfrica

2/5 In the '09 H1N1 pandemic, Africa was last in line for jabs as vaccine-producing countries refused to export jabs until domestic needs were met. Today, history is repeating. The US has immunised at least 10x as many people as ALL OF AFRICA. #COVID19 bit.ly/mRNAinAfrica

3/5 For decades, #Africa has tried to kickstart local vaccine production. Today only 10 firms do any type of manufacturing — mostly late-stage packaging of vaccines formulated abroad. This could change & sooner than you think. #Covid19vaccine #Covid19 bit.ly/mRNAinAfrica

4/5 If #Africa can make its own vaccines, it may no longer have to be at the mercy of richer countries. It may also help unravel one of the biggest arguments against intellectual property waivers being discussed at the WTO. #COVID19 #Covid19vaccine bit.ly/mRNAinAfrica

5/5 mRNA vaccine tech may finally let Africa flip the script on local vaccine production. Find out why #Sengal #SouthAfrica & #Rwanda may its new chapter & what a Polaroid film factory has to do with it. My latest c/o @thecontinent_ #COVID19 bit.ly/mRNAinAfrica