x

AU purchases 270m Covid-19 vaccine doses for the continent

About 270 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been secured by the African Union (AU) for distribution across the continent, according to AU head South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

All of the doses will be used this year, according to the regional Bloc leader.


The 270million doses is on top of 600 million doses already promised.


Although infection numbers and death rates are comparatively lower across most of Africa, a new variant of Covid-19 in South Africa is causing particular alarm and spreading quickly along the region.


“As a result of our own efforts we have so far secured a commitment of a provisional amount of 270 million vaccines from three major suppliers: Pfizer, AstraZeneca (through Serum Institute of India) and Johnson & Johnson,” President Ramaphosa said .


At least 50 million of the doses will be available “for the crucial period of April to June 2021,” he said.


The WHO Regional Director for Africa praised the move during an online media briefing on Thursday.


“Covax can only cover 20% of the African population, so it is really wonderful to see the African Union’s efforts to secure a provisional 270 million doses by the end of 2021…” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti.

The African Export–Import Bank will support the strategy by providing advancements of up to $2 billion to the manufacturers on behalf of member states, Raphomasa added.


The African Union and the World Bank are also working together to to allow member states access to $5 billion to purchase more vaccines, according to Ramaphosa.

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalist As...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

Gov Eno commissions FG funded 100-bed Specialist Hospital

By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom yesterday...

Police launch investigationinto murder of A’Ibom man in church , arrest rapists

By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo The Police in Alwa Ibom has launched...

Davido, Chioma Arrive in Miami Ahead of Lavish White Wedding

Afrobeats sensation David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, and...

El-Rufai Still a Key Stakeholder in APC – Party Chieftain Affirms

A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC)...

IWD: Time-Saving Tips Every Busy Mom Needs

This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the strength, resilience,...

“My Husband Is Threatening My Life” – Actress Evan Okoro Cries Out

Award-winning Nollywood actress, Evan Okoro, has publicly cried out...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img