BVI CEO Andrew Madeswi shared the institute’s ambitious plans in an interview with BusinessWeek, revealing that the study has shown the potential for producing human drugs and vaccines locally.
"We have completed the feasibility study about manufacturing human drugs and vaccines in our lab in Botswana," Madeswi said.
The study is now being reviewed by government structures.
"If all goes well and it becomes feasible to proceed, we will soon announce our approach towards human drugs," he added.
The decision to explore human vaccine production stems from BVI’s realisation following the COVID-19 pandemic of the urgent need to support the local health sector, particularly human medicine. This move could further enhance Botswana’s healthcare infrastructure and contribute to the country’s readiness to address future health challenges.
Currently, BVI exports 90% of its products, with only 10% being used domestically. The institute's main product, the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine, contributes 90% of its revenue. BVI’s production capacity stands at 25 million doses per annum, allowing it to supply vaccines across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
Beyond FMD, BVI manufactures vaccines for various livestock diseases, including anthrax, CBPV (Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia), PPR (Peste des Petits Ruminants, affecting small stock), and blackleg, a disease that severely impacts cattle. Although the institute’s portfolio is heavily focused on cattle health, the feasibility study represents a potential shift toward human healthcare.
Madeswi also revealed plans to establish an antigen bank in Botswana, which would enhance the institute’s capacity to respond rapidly to disease outbreaks. An antigen bank stores vaccine components that can be quickly used to produce specific vaccines in case of an emergency, ensuring quicker and more efficient disease control.
Founded in 1979, BVI has a strong reputation for producing high-quality animal vaccines, particularly Foot and Mouth Disease. The institute plays a crucial role in preventing and controlling livestock diseases across Africa. Through its longstanding expertise in animal vaccine manufacturing, BVI has the infrastructure and experience to make a meaningful impact in both veterinary and human medicine.
