CAPE TOWN- While scientists around the world are working to develop a safe and effective Covid-19 vaccine, all 54 African countries are signing up to the COVAX global vaccine allocation plan.
The allocation plan is aimed at procuring and delivering 2 billion doses of approved vaccines by the end of 2021.
The COVAX global initiative, which is co-led by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi) and the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to secure 220 million doses of the vaccine for the African continent.
There are currently nine Covid-19 vaccine candidates in its portfolio employing a range of different technologies and scientific approaches.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti said that the ground-breaking initiate will include African countries and will ensure they are not left last on the list to receive Covid-19 vaccines.
“By reaching beyond the continent to work together with other governments and manufacturers on a global scale and pooling buying power, countries can protect the people most vulnerable to the disease in Africa,” said Moeti.
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Eight countries in Africa have agreed to self-finance their vaccine doses through the COVAX Facility, while the other 46 countries are eligible for support from the financing instrument, the COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC).
Vaccines that have passed regulatory approval or WHO prequalification will be delivered equally to all participating countries, proportional to their populations. Health workers and other vulnerable populations will be prioritized and then vaccine availability will expand to cover additional priority populations in participating countries.
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