AfDB’s Omilola on Africa’s health response to COVID-19

African countries have been facing the challenge of controlling the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and related deaths. The Manager for Public Health, Security, and Nutrition at the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Omilola, discussed the impact of the pandemic and the AfDB's response in a recent CNBC Africa interview. The pandemic has taken a toll globally, with about 1.5 million people already losing their lives, and the global economy contracting by around 5.2 percent. In Africa, approximately 40 million people are at risk of being pushed into extreme poverty due to the pandemic. To address these challenges, the AfDB approved a $10 billion COVID-19 crisis response facility, deploying $4 billion to African countries and regional institutions. Additionally, a $3 billion COVID-19 social bond was launched in the global market. The bank has also extended support to regional economic communities and the African Union, providing grants to enhance the capacity of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These efforts aim to provide financial support, policy guidance, and social protection to ensure the continuity of African economies. The conversation shifted to the ongoing African Economic Conference, where the need to ramp up health infrastructure emerged as a key focus. Dr. Omilola stressed the importance of investing in the health sector to enhance health outcomes in Africa. The continent requires an estimated $67 billion annually in the health sector, and the AfDB has been pivotal in providing funding and expertise in this area since 1975. Developing resilient health infrastructure is crucial not only for responding to the current pandemic but also for addressing future health crises and accelerating economic and social recovery. The AfDB sees health infrastructure development as a strategic investment to improve the quality of life in African countries. As the conversation turned to vaccine deployment, Dr. Omilola emphasized the importance of prioritizing the health sector and ensuring equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. African countries face challenges in logistics infrastructure, financial resources, and ensuring rapid and fair access to vaccines. The AfDB is collaborating with international financial institutions and partners to secure resources for vaccine deployment in Africa. Dr. Omilola highlighted the need to address issues such as storage, manufacturing capabilities, and equitable distribution to prevent any country or population from being left behind. In conclusion, the AfDB's efforts in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic reflect a commitment to building resilient health infrastructure in Africa. By investing in the health sector, prioritizing vaccine deployment, and ensuring equitable access, the AfDB aims to improve health outcomes and quality of life across the continent as it navigates the challenges posed by the pandemic and looks towards a more sustainable future.