John Nkengasong gives update on Africa's race to secure COVID-19 vaccines

With the global launch of mass vaccination programs in full swing, Africa's access to COVID-19 vaccines remains a major concern. African countries are struggling to secure doses, leading to questions of discrimination in the distribution of life-saving vaccines. John Nkengasong, Director of the Africa CDC, recently discussed the continent's efforts and challenges in a CNBC Africa interview. The Africa CDC, established in January 2017, has played a pivotal role in responding to various outbreaks, including the current COVID-19 pandemic. Nkengasong highlighted the organization's resilience and effectiveness in providing support during the crisis, including distributing personal protective equipment and training clinicians. Despite initial success in managing the first wave of infections, African countries are now grappling with a second wave that has strained health systems and highlighted the need for continued vigilance. Nkengasong emphasized the importance of proactive measures taken by African leaders early in the pandemic, such as implementing lockdowns, contact tracing, and surveillance to curb the spread of the virus. While acknowledging the predictability of subsequent waves in pandemics, he stressed the need for sustained public health interventions to combat COVID-19 effectively. He compared the challenges posed by the current virus to previous outbreaks like SARS, noting the complexities of controlling a virus that can spread asymptomatically. Nkengasong underscored the urgency of rolling out vaccinations aggressively to shorten the duration of the pandemic and prevent COVID-19 from becoming endemic on the continent. However, he also pointed out the disparities in vaccine access, with Africa lagging behind developed countries in securing doses. The continent's heavy reliance on vaccine imports highlights the need to strengthen local manufacturing capacities for future health crises. Nkengasong addressed concerns about the delayed review of vaccines like the Russian Sputnik V, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety and efficacy of all vaccines before widespread distribution. He highlighted Africa CDC's collaboration with global partners to assess vaccine data and make informed decisions to protect public health. While acknowledging the potential of vaccines like Sputnik V, Nkengasong stressed the need for thorough scientific review and peer validation before endorsing their use. By engaging with multiple vaccine manufacturers and advocating for transparency in data-sharing, Africa CDC aims to secure safe and effective vaccines for the continent.