NIBRT, in Collaboration with GIZ, Welcomes IPD for Pioneering Biopharma Training Programme
Dublin, Ireland, 7th November 2024 – The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) is pleased to announce the launch of a long-term training partnership with the Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD), in collaboration with The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. This training programme is supported by “SenPharm,” a GIZ project commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). This project seeks to strengthen the institutional capacities of Senegalese public and private players to support the country in achieving sovereignty in the production of vaccines and pharmaceutical products by 2028. It is a vital component of the broader effort to increase vaccine manufacturing capacity across Africa.
Through this programme, IPD staff have direct access to NIBRT’s advanced biopharma training resources, including in-person courses at NIBRT’s Dublin facility and online modules through the NIBRT Online Academy (NOA), which offers a comprehensive library of on-demand biopharma manufacturing training. The programme follows a “train-the-trainer” model, equipping IPD participants with the skills needed to train additional staff and build local expertise in Senegal. Recently, the first cohort of IPD staff completed an in-person training course focused on aseptic processing and fill-finish techniques. This programme covered essential theoretical and practical elements, such as contamination control, environmental monitoring, filter integrity testing, and filling systems. Trainees also gained hands-on experience with both isolators and Restricted Access Barrier Systems (RABS), practicing gowning procedures, glove integrity tests, media fills, and troubleshooting exercises. In addition to on-site training, 128 IPD employees are currently enrolled in NOA’s online modules, ensuring wider access to critical biopharma skills.
IPD, a Senegalese foundation, is dedicated to advancing equitable access to health across Africa, with a particular focus on Senegal. It is a key regional player through its specialised reference laboratories and its collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) in combating infectious diseases.
In response to the urgent need for vaccine sovereignty, the African Union has set a target to meet 60% of Africa’s vaccine demand through local manufacturing by 2040. Senegal has further committed to producing 50% of its pharmaceutical products locally by 2035. To achieve these ambitious goals, the Africa CDC has emphasised the need for a skilled workforce, projecting that an additional 14,000 Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) will be required across the continent.
This partnership between NIBRT, GIZ, and IPD represents a significant step forward in preparing a skilled workforce to support Africa’s vaccine manufacturing ambitions. By building local expertise and expanding access to advanced biopharma training, the programme not only enhances IPD’s capabilities but also contributes to a sustainable infrastructure for public health across Africa.
**End of press release**
About NIBRT:
The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) is a global centre of excellence for training and research in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. NIBRT is located in a world class facility in Dublin, Ireland. This facility is purpose built to closely replicate a modern bioprocessing plant with state-of-the-art equipment and enables NIBRT to offer the highest quality training and research solutions. NIBRT’s mission is to support the growth and development of all aspects of the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry. For more information, please visit www.nibrt.ie.
About GIZ:
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a global service provider in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development and international education work. As a public-benefit federal enterprise, GIZ supports the German Government – in particular the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) – and many public and private sector clients in around 120 countries in achieving their objectives in international cooperation. With this aim, GIZ works with its partners to develop effective solutions that offer people better prospects and sustainably improve their living conditions. For more information, please visit https://www.giz.de/en/aboutgiz/profile.html.
Media Contacts:
Name: Emer Norton
Title: NIBRT Marketing and Communications Manager
Email: emer.norton@nibrt.ie
Phone: +353 1 215 8100
Name: Rozenn Le Mentec
Title: Head of Project SenPharm
Email: rozenn.lementec@giz.de
Phone: +221 78 379 31 35
