By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
As the African region gears up to commence the use of the new COVID19 vaccine, the COVAX facility, the Regional Representative of WHO, Dr Matshidiso Meoti has said that 600 million doses of the vaccines is needed to stop the spread of the virus in the continent. Moeti who spoke at the first COVID-19 press briefing in 2021 stated that so far the vaccines distribution is inequitable around countries.
She said, “The Covax Facility aims to provide around 600 million doses for Africa in 2021. We expect the first doses to arrive by the end of March, with a larger roll-out by June.
600 million doses of Covax vaccine can only cover 20% of the African population adding that aside there is need for African union to secure a provisional 270 million doses by end of 2021,” she said.
“Together we will deliver nearly 900 million doses for this year.” Unexpectedly, Africa has recorded an average daily new case count of more than 25 000 in the last 14 days, making the continent to experience a second wave which is higher than the peak experienced last July.
These numbers are likely to grow as the impact of holiday season travel and get-togethers become evident.
The continent has now topped 3 million cases with over 72 000 lives lost, Moeti explained. “While in 2020, Africa was spared much of the worst of COVID-19 with relatively fewer infections compared to other regions of the world, we start the new year facing new threats from the virus.”
“However , a virus that can spread more easily will put further strain on hospitals and health workers who are in many cases already over-worked.”
The Regional Representative disclosed that WHO in collaboration with African CDC has supported countries to step up genome sequencing through a network of specialized laboratories. “We are also helping in shipping samples, providing laboratory supplies as well as technical guidance and mobilizing funds.”
