“From Donors to DIY Vaccines—Africa’s Leap” brings Africa CDC Director-General Dr Jean Kaseya onto Paul Talks Science with host Paul Adepoju. In a short candid conversation, Dr Kaseya explains why the continent is pivoting from a donor-driven model of outbreak response to a home-grown, prevention-first public-health strategy. He describes a future in which community health workers, backed by stronger primary-care systems, can spot and stop outbreaks before they spiral, and he outlines plans for eight vaccines that will be researched, manufactured and distributed in Africa within the next four years.

A new pooled-procurement platform is about to launch so those vaccines can reach ministries and clinics at competitive prices from day one, and a networked regulatory system—built around the African Medicines Agency—aims to accelerate approvals without sacrificing safety.

Dr Kaseya returns to a single theme: partners are welcome only if they align with Africa’s own roadmap. “Prevention isn’t a slogan—it’s cheaper, faster and worth every cent when outbreaks strike,” he says, adding later, “We will celebrate eight vaccines, made by Africans, for Africans.” He does not mince words about external actors who claim to help while steering the agenda off course: “Follow our vision—or move.”

If you follow global health, vaccine equity or African R&D, this bonus episode is a reality check you won’t want to miss. Stream it now. For background, visit the Africa CDC website, explore the framework of the African Medicines Agency, and keep an eye on forthcoming announcements about the continent-wide procurement platform.

Where do you think Africa’s vaccine-manufacturing sprint will take the global health landscape next?