As the number of COVID-19 cases in Africa is on the rise for the third week in a row and fewer vaccines are available, 47 of Africa’s 54 countries, close to 90%, are unlikely to be able to meet the goal of vaccinating 10% of their population by September, unless Africa receives 225 million more doses, WHO reports in a report. press release published on Thursday, June 10, 2021.

The new global goals were announced at the World Health Assembly, the highest decision-making body on health policy. At the current rate, only seven African countries are able to reach them.

As Africa nears five million cases of COVID-19, the number of new infections is increasing week on week, with a 20% increase in the week of May 31, or more than 88,00 new cases. The pandemic is on the rise in 10 African countries, including four that have jumped more than 30% in the past seven days, compared to the previous week.

“As we approach five million cases and a third wave looms, many of our most vulnerable remain dangerously exposed to COVID-19. Vaccines have been shown to prevent cases and prevent deaths, which is why countries that can urgently need to share COVID-19 vaccines. Africa desperately needs this dose sharing, ”said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa.

With 32 million doses, Africa accounts for less than 1% of the more than 2.1 billion doses administered worldwide. Just 2% of the continent’s 1.3 billion people have received a dose and only 9.4 million Africans are fully immunized. Despite recent promises, only France has increased its donations via COVAX, with one million doses intended for eight countries in June.

Nonetheless, the planned announcement by US President Joe Biden that the US will purchase and donate half a billion Pfizer vaccines to 92 low-income and lower-middle-income countries as well as the African Union, is an important step forward. This comes as we observe countries like France making tangible deliveries through the COVAX Mechanism.

“The tide is turning. We are now seeing rich nations start to deliver on their promises, ”said Dr Moeti.

Source: Agence Ivoirienne de Presse