ASSIGNMENT (I): The African Union and Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) are now working to increase African capacity to develop and produce Vaccines. They are looking at other Countries in which to establish vaccine hubs. You have been hired by the African Union to develop strategies in Africa to increase Vaccine production. You have been asked to develop a high level project plan to present to the project sponsors outlining a project that would contribute towards expanding vaccine production and development in Africa.
The Project plan should include the following; Business Case, Scope, Risk, Stakeholders, Change, Planning and Control.
ANSWER TO THE QUESTION
A THIRTY-YEAR PROJECT PLAN AIMED AT EXPANDING VACCINE PRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT ON THE AFRICAN CONTINENT.
INTRODUCTION
Africa and the entire world have for decades suffered and continue to suffer from quite a number of pandemic diseases and other infectious diseases. The COVID-19 Pandemic has presented its self to us with serious health insecurity signals. Therefore, this is to remind ourselves and realize that, “Health is Wealth” and anything to do with our health insecurity ought to be our first enemy. Moreover, according to Makenga., et al (2019), assertively assert that, infectious diseases are considered to be one of the major causes of our children’s death most especially here on the African continent and Asian continent as well. The COVID-19 pandemic has been an eye opener for the entire world to realize that, African continent is still behind in terms of vaccine manufacturing. Conversely, African continent imports about 99% of her total vaccines it consumes and only manufactures 1% of her total vaccines it consumes annually. Thus, further explains why African continent has up to date fully vaccinated only 11% of her total population on her continent against the COVID-19 pandemic (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 2022: Nature, 2022). Besides, according to the World Health Organization’ director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus put it clear for everyone and I quote, “No other event like the COVID-19 pandemic has shown that, reliance on a few companies to supply global public goods is limiting and dangerous. In the mid to long term, the best way to address health emergencies and reach universal health coverage is to significantly increase the capacity of all regions to manufacture the health products they need with equitable access as their primary endpoint” (World Health Organization, 2022). On the other hand, according to Kellar (2020), Benjamin Franklin says and I quote, "If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail". Therefore, here is a thirty-year project plan providing a lasting solution for the escalating health insecurity on the African continent. The project plan is in line with the predecessor’s millennium development goals considering milestones that, our health scientists need resources. Most especially, for vaccine production and development. Besides, the time, goals and any other resources required in this project plan shall be fully monitored throughout the project lifespan (Indeed Editorial Team, 2021).
Thesis: Expanding vaccine production and development on the African continent, is no longer a choice, but the only way to go.
PROJECT BUSINESS
Senegal and Uganda are already developing vaccines however, the process requires more time and support in terms of training the scientists, funding and technology resources. Take for instance, Senegal in partnership with the Fondation Institut Pasteur de Dakar, have embarked on building a vaccine hub in Senegal. Moreover, the partnership is aimed at building a strong vaccine hub in Senegal to serve its people and other west African countries. The project is meant to receive funding by a grant of 3,300,000 US dollars from the United States International Development Finance Corporation. Additionally, is more support by the European Investment Bank, International Finance Corporation and the Agence Francaise de Development (U.S International Development Finance Corporation, 2022).
Conversely, in Uganda, the Uganda Virus Research Institute in collaboration with her partners. Take for instance, the Imperial College London and Makerere University is working on the development and trials of the three COVID-19 vaccines. The vaccines under development and trials include, Recombinant Protein vaccine, Viral Vector vaccine and Inactivated vaccine (Abel, 2020: Amamukirori, 2021). Besides, the World Health Organization (2022), announced the recipient countries of the first mRNA vaccine hub technology. The first 6 recipient countries included, Tunisia, Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Senegal. Moreover, the World Health Organization and partners shall work hand in hand with the recipient countries to set up the vaccine hubs (World Health Organization, 2022). On other hand, we need to establish other vaccine hubs across the entire regions of the African continent. Therefore, the project plan is designed to cover the entire African continent including, the East African region, west African region, south African region, central African region and the north African region. Moreover, given the fact that, currently the African continent is importing 99% of her total annual vaccine consumption. And the fact that, African continent, can only manufacture 1% of her total annual vaccine consumption. It’s pretty clear information for any investor to develop interest in vaccine manufacturing and development in Africa. However, Africa currently has about 10 manufacturers of vaccines though most of these manufactures may not engage in active vaccine ingredients thus, instead finalize and fill the imported vaccine products (Nature, 2022: Plotkin, et al., 2017). Infant vaccination is pretty important in protecting children and keeping them healthy. The vaccines are meant to protect the children against illness therefore, vaccines are tested before they are approved. The infectious Diseases such as, malarial, tuberculosis, diarrhea, HIV/AIDS, amongst other diseases are the top ten leading killer diseases in Africa by 2019 (Elflein, 2022: Prasanna., 2022). Therefore, vaccine production and development in Africa appears to be quite challenging and expensive most especially in terms of infrastructure development, technology, and human capital resources. However, collaborations and partnerships could provide a long-lasting solution for vaccine production and development on the African continent (Globe Newswire, Research & Markets., 2018: Plotkin, et al., 2017: D’Amore, & Ping Yang., 2019). Besides, it’s also wise to say, “If you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far go together”, is an African Proverb.
SCOPE OF THE PROJECT
The project plan is designed to cover the entire African continent including, the East African region, west African region, south African region, central African region and the north African region. Moreover, the World Health Organization’ announcement of the 6 recipient countries of the mRNA vaccine hub technology. On 18th February 2022 during the European-African Union summit held in Brussels was very strategic. The 6 recipient countries included, Tunisia in the North-West Africa, Egypt in North Africa, South Africa, Nigeria in West Africa, Kenya in East Africa and Senegal in the far West Africa (World Health Organization, 2022).
Project Mission. To establish vaccine hubs across the region and support vaccine production and development on the African continent.
Project Objectives. To intensify and coordinate efforts and cooperation aimed at achieving better health services and products for African people. To establish a clear roadmap for the vaccine hubs establishment in collaboration with the immediate beneficiary countries, the World Health Organization and partners. To monitor and supervise the progress of all other member vaccine manufacturing projects across the region. In addition, to providing the necessary support throughout the lifespan of the project, in partnership with the World Health Organization and partners.
Project Deliverables. The project shall work hand in hand with the global mRNA technology transfer hub, mRNA beneficiary countries and partners. To ensure full support of the vaccine manufactures in the middle- and low-income countries in Africa for vaccine production and development. The project shall monitor and supervise the progress of all other member vaccine manufacturing projects across the region. In addition, to providing the necessary support throughout the lifespan of the project, in partnership with the World Health Organization and partners.
Discussion. In line with, the African Union’ objectives, and Africa CDC’ mission agenda, it’s pretty important to come up with a better project plan. A project plan that, shall address the African Union objectives on health security and Africa CDC’ mission agenda. Therefore, this project will serve as an umbrella for the African Union member vaccine manufactures across the region and at the same time serve Africa CDC’ mission agenda respectively.
Project Scope Assumptions. The project scope is mainly built on the assumption that, African Union and Africa CDC needs to realize their objectives and mission respectively. Take for instance, Africa CDC’ mission is, and I quote, “To strengthen the capacity and partnerships of Africa’s public health institutions to detect and respond quickly and effectively to disease threats”. On the other hand, one of the African Union’ objectives is, and I quote, “To coordinate and intensify their cooperation and efforts to achieve a better life for the people of Africa’’. Secondly, and I quote, “To promote international cooperation having due regard to the charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights” (African Union Website: Africa CDC Website). Therefore, at this point in time, its beyond doubt that, should this project plan be adopted in the near future, the above-mentioned objectives and mission shall be realized.
PROJECT PLANNING AND CONTROL
Discussion. The project shall cover the entire African continent, and the targeted regions include; West Africa, Central Africa, South Africa, North Africa, and East Africa. Moreover, the project is targeting those countries that, have already embarked on vaccine production and development i.e., Senegal, South Africa, and Uganda (U.S. International Development Finance Corporation., 2022: Nature., 2022: Abel., 2020: Amamukirori., 2021). In addition to, the 6 beneficiary countries of the mRNA vaccine hub technology. The beneficiary countries included; Tunisia in the North-West Africa, Egypt in North Africa, South Africa, Nigeria in West Africa, Kenya in East Africa and Senegal in the far West Africa (World Health Organization, 2022). Conversely, vaccine production and development are long-term processes. Therefore, the project plan is designed to integrate all project activities and framework to suite within the scheduled long-term project operations.
Project Schedule. The project is expected to kick start by January 2023 and end by January 2054. Therefore, the project lifecycle is exactly thirty years (30years). Conversely, the project framework and activities are clearly described in their different project phases.
Project Phases. The project shall include the four phases namely; the Closing Phase (Phase four), Control & Monitoring Phase (Phase three), Planning Phase (Phase two) and Initiating Phase (Phase one).
The table illustrating the planned project work breakdown structure throughout the four Phases.
Initiation Phase (Phase One).
· Project Charter design
· The project is defined & approved.
· Ensure the Project is Funded by Sponsors.
· Ensure the Project is Authorized.
· African Union.
· African CDC
1/2/2023 To 1/11/23
Planning Phase (Phase Two).
· Project management plan development.
· Project management plan approved by Sponsors.
· All possible changes to be re-approved by Sponsors.
· Project budget & resource allocations.
· Recruitment and training.
· Procurement of equipment & logistics.
· Project Manager.
· African union.
· Africa CDC.
· World Health Organization, & Partners
1/10/2024 To 1/20/2024
Control & Monitoring Phase (Phase Three).
· Set off the teams to get started with work.
· Stakeholder communications.
· Ensure work is carried on as planned.
· Deviation tracking starts.
· Project status updates
· Project manager.
· Stakeholders.
1/17/2023 To 6/5/2051
Project Closure Phase (Phase Four).
· Final Project Report writing
· Official Project closing Function
· Final Report Presentation
· Project manager.
· WHO & Partners.
1/1/2054 To 1/31/2054
Source: Adopted from: (Grant., 2022).
APPENDIX 1: PROJECT Gantt Chart
Source: Adopted from: (Grant., 2022).
APPENDIX 2: PROJECT BUDGET ESTIMATES
A- SOURCE OF FUNDING
GRANT, DONATIONS, SPONSORS
B-ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE
LOCATIONS/REGION/COUNTRY
AMOUNT IN US DOLLARS
1
ADMISTRATION
ALL REGIONS
1,000,000
2
STAFF RECRUTMENT & CAPACITY BUILDING
ALL REGIONS
1,000,000
3
RESEARCH
ALL REGIONS
1,000,000
4
OTHERS
ALL REGIONS
1,000,000
5
VACCINE HUB ESTABLISHMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA
SOUTH AFRICA
5,000,000
6
VACCINE HUB ESTABLISHMENT IN TUNISIA
NORTH WEST AFRICA
5,000,000
7
VACCINE HUB ESTABLISHMENT IN KENYA
EAST AFRICA
5,000,000
8
VACCINE HUB ESTABLISHMENT IN EGYPT
NORTH AFRICA
5,000,000
9
VACCINE HUB ESTABLISHMENT IN NIGERIA
WEST AFRICA
5,000,000
10
VACCINE HUB ESTABLISHMENT IN UGANDA
EAST AFRICA
5,000,000
11
VACCINE HUB ESTABLISHMENT IN SENEGAL
FAR WEST AFRICA
5,000,000
12
MISCELLANEOUS
ALL REGIONS
2,000,000
13
TOTAL
ALL REGIONS
41,000,000
Source: Adopted from: (Plotkin, et al., 2017: World Health Organization., 2022).
APPENDIX 3: PROJECT ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE
PROJECT CHANGE MANAGEMENT
First and foremost, change is a fact and it has to happen most especially in the lifetime of the project. Therefore, it’s pretty important to plan on how changes shall be managed throughout the project lifespan. The changes in the due course of the project operations may include amongst others; is project re-scheduling. The change in the resource allocations approved earlier, change in the project scope and so forth. Moreover, the changes in the project operations or project processes are needed most especially when deemed significant (Mojica., 2018).
Discussion; the changes in the project operations may affect i.e., the project schedule, project budget, and other project approved deliverables. Therefore, a well-defined change mechanism ought to be adopted for the proper management of the project changes. Moreover, the project manager shall communicate all the changes upon request by the concerned persons. Conversely, the project manager ought to use the following documents in managing changes namely; is “CID Log” and “Change Request Form”. All requests to alter decisions, issues and change, ought to be registered in the “CID Log” for quicker tracking and resolution by the project manager. The project manager shall play the role of registering all changes and forward them to the relevant authorities for approval. The authorities in this case may include; African Union, African CDC, Regulatory bodies, project Sponsors, project, Consultants, World Health Organization and Partners. Additionally, is “Change Request Form” document where the proposed change is described and identified to make changes in the project process. Therefore, “Change Request Form” shall be accessible to all the project stakeholders. Take for instance if a project team member in South Africa identifies the need for change, he/she should be able to access the “Change Request Form”. And write down all the necessary change requests and forward them to the project manager. On the other hand, it’s pretty important to follow the above project organization structure for all official communication (Mojica., 2018).
PROJECT RISKS ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT
Introduction and role of risk management. Project risk management and risk assessment are pretty important for any project plan before its implementation. The possible risks affecting the project may not be fully managed. However, it’s pretty important to plan on how to reduce their occurrences and minimize their adverse effects on the project. Therefore, risks affecting the project could be avoided, shared and/or mitigated. Moreover, the major role of risk management, is to detect and identify the possible risks that could affect the project and plan on how to handle those risks before they occur.
Discussion. The vaccine production and development Project is actually at a risk of certain adverse occurrences that, could affect negatively the project planned objectives. In this case, the Project major risks amongst other risks include;
Performance risk, schedule risk and cost risk. First and foremost, with Performance risk, the vaccine production and development process could be serious affected. The project is actually at danger for failing to realize its specification results. However, the performance risk could result due to amongst others is poor project planning, and inadequate supervision. Therefore, to minimize the project performance risk, there shall be maximum project monitoring, and supervision in all phases throughout the lifespan of the project. Additionally, the project plan, shall include, amongst others, is staff training, technology sharing, and recruitment of qualified scientists.
Secondly, is the schedule risk, the project is at a risk for her planned activities not being implemented within the estimated timeframe. The causes of schedule risk may include amongst other causes are; the global economic crisis, natural disasters, pandemic outbreaks, and political differences i.e., the war in Ukraine etc. On the other hand, we all know that, vaccine production and development are long term processes therefore, this could affect the project timeline, delays, and incur more costs (Gomez & Robinson., 2018: Yang., 2017). Conversely, it’s also true that, some of the causes of schedule risk may remain uncontrolled and cases in point are; natural disasters and pandemic outbreaks. However, in order to mitigate the schedule risk, the project plan shall include risk sharing through partnership with the insurance service providers. Additionally, the project decisions and other undertakings shall be based on approved research findings.
Lastly but not the least, is the Cost risk in which the project planned costs keeps on growing more than the project planned cost allocations in the budget. The escalating project costs could be caused by; the global inflation, poor project financial management, poor project budget allocations and planning. Therefore, to minimize the project cost risk, there shall be an approved project plan for all project planned activities in all the project phases. Moreover, the technical teams shall be tasked to review the project budget estimates before they are approved and/or re-allocated. Besides, the project manager shall be tasked to brief the sponsors and partners by the end of every phase and/or before the next phase starts (Yang., 2017: National Academic Press., 2019).
STAKEHOLDERS’ INVOLVEMENT IN THE PROJECT
The stakeholders affected by the project amongst others shall include; the World Health Organization (WHO), African CDC and African Union. The government bodies in the region, project consultants, project teams, vaccine manufactures, vaccine customers, vaccine end users, project subcontractors, project managers, project Sponsors, Regulatory bodies, and all project affected persons (Study.com., 2017).
Discussion. First and foremost, its right to say, all stakeholders play a significant impact on the project and no stakeholder should be taken for granted. The stakeholder engagement at all stages or levels is pretty important. Moreover, the success of any project is dependent on the stakeholders’ contribution. I.e., the stakeholders ought to be the first buyers of the ideal project plan. Take for instance, if African Union does not buy my ideal project plan in the first place. It’s obvious that, my project plan shall just remain on paper and no further proceedings shall be undertaken. Therefore, for the project to achieve her set objectives, all the stakeholders need to play their role respectively. Additionally, the stakeholder matrix below clearly illustrates how all stakeholders are significant in their respective capacities (Study.com., 2017).
APPENDIX 4: STAKEHOLDER MATRIX
Source: Adopted from: (Study.com., 2017).
APPENDIX 5: PROJECT SWOT ANALYSIS
1.STRENGTH
· The African Union and African Centre for Disease Control & Prevent are linked to a network of partners who could support the project plan.
· Partners are willing to work with us i.e., WHO. Fondation Institut Pasteur de Dakar. Etc.
· The availability of the media fraternity and their willingness to make partnerships in disseminating project information.
· Africa has got qualified and dedicated scientists, who are willing to take on the challenge of vaccine production and development.
2.WEAKNESS
· The reluctance of the western biotech companies to share technology, skills and knowledge for vaccine production and development.
· Limited access to technology resources and financial resources.
· The general mistrust of governments by particular political groups. Take for instance due to high level of corruption etc.
3.OPPORTUNITIES
· The involvement of the Fondation Pasteur Institut and other partners in the Senegal vaccine hub plus other regions in Africa.
· The availability of the media fraternity and their willingness to make partnerships in disseminating project information.
· Increased global demand for vaccines.
· The willingness of African leaders to support the project.
· The high target market population on the African continent for the vaccines.
· Africa has qualified and experienced scientists.
· The rampant pandemic disease outbreaks around the world.
4.THREATS
· External funding could be disrupted by the current wars around the world i.e., Ukraine and Russia war and other wars around the world.
· Political Uncertainties due to the rising tensions of terror attacks i.e., in Tunisia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Somalia etc.
· Cultural rigidities and religious beliefs towards vaccines.
Source: Adopted from: (D’Amore, & Ping Yang., 2019: Wang, & Wang., 2020: Plotkin, et al., 2017:).
APPENDIX 6: RISK ASSESSMENT MATRIX
SCALE OF SEVERITY
SCALE OF LIKELIHOOD
Project risks
ACCEPTABLE
TOLERABLE
GENERALLY UNACCEPTABLE
Performance risk
LOW
MEDIUM
MEDIUM
Cost risk
LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
Schedule risk
MEDIUM
HIGH
HIGH
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary. Vaccine production and development on the African continent is not only resolving the health insecurity question. On the other hand, the project comes a long side with the long-awaited answers, on social, economic, political and technological questions i.e., unemployment, inadequate access to technology, and so forth.
Recommendations. In as far as the threats that could affect the project are concerned. The United Nations ought to embark on the peace talks to end the wars around the world. On other hand, the project shall involve all the stakeholders to resolve, the cultural rigidities and religious rigidities on vaccines.
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