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How vaccine inequity is impacting Africa’s recovery from COVID-19
The World Health Organisation says the world is at the early stages of another wave of Covid-19 infections and death, and they have called for top economies to step up by sharing vaccines. Joining CNBC Africa for more is Dr Francis Ohanyido, President of the West Africa Academy of Public Health.
Thu, 22 Jul 2021 12:10:23 GMT
Disclaimer: The following content is generated automatically by a GPT AI and may not be accurate. To verify the details, please watch the video
AI Generated Summary
- The glaring disparity in vaccination rates between developed and developing countries poses a significant challenge to Africa's efforts to combat COVID-19
- The rise of the Delta variant further complicates the situation, with concerns about potential severe mutations and increased infection rates in African countries
- Urgent action is needed to accelerate the production of locally manufactured vaccines in Africa to address vaccine inequities and enhance access to life-saving vaccines
As the world grapples with the early stages of another wave of COVID-19 infections and deaths, the issue of vaccine inequity has taken center stage, particularly in Africa. The World Health Organization has been calling on top economies to step up and share vaccines to address the stark disparity in vaccination rates between developed and developing countries. Dr. Francis Ohanyido, President of the West Africa Academy of Public Health, sheds light on how this vaccine inequity is impacting Africa's recovery from the pandemic. He emphasizes that the inefficient distribution of vaccines poses a significant challenge to the continent's efforts to combat the virus. Dr. Ohanyido highlights the concerning statistics that reveal a glaring gap in vaccination coverage between developed and developing countries. While 45% of the population in most developed countries have received at least one dose of the vaccine, only 0.9% of the population in developing countries have been vaccinated. This stark contrast underscores the urgent need for equitable access to vaccines to effectively curb the spread of the virus.
The emergence of the highly transmissible Delta variant has further compounded the challenges faced by African nations in containing the virus. Dr. Ohanyido expresses his concerns about the Delta variant becoming the predominant strain in several countries, including some in Africa. He warns that the Delta variant could potentially lead to more severe mutations that pose greater risks to public health. The president acknowledges the importance of achieving widespread vaccination coverage as a crucial strategy to combat the evolving threat of COVID-19. However, the inadequate supply of vaccines to low-income countries remains a major obstacle in achieving this goal.
Against this backdrop, Dr. Ohanyido calls for urgent action to address vaccine inequities and protect the population in African nations. He advocates for the acceleration of locally produced vaccines that meet global quality standards. The president suggests establishing vaccine production hubs in Africa to ensure timely access to vaccines and reduce dependence on external sources. By leveraging existing technology and expertise, African countries can strengthen their capacity to produce and distribute vaccines efficiently. Dr. Ohanyido emphasizes the need for collaboration and coordination among African nations to establish viable vaccine manufacturing hubs in the region. He envisions a future where Africa can achieve self-sufficiency in vaccine production and mitigate the impact of vaccine inequities on the continent's public health.
In conclusion, the ongoing battle against COVID-19 in Africa underscores the critical importance of addressing vaccine inequities to ensure equitable access to life-saving vaccines. Dr. Ohanyido's insights highlight the urgent need for proactive measures to enhance vaccine production and distribution in African nations. By prioritizing local vaccine manufacturing and fostering regional partnerships, Africa can strengthen its resilience against the evolving challenges posed by the pandemic. The call for concerted efforts to bridge the vaccine gap resonates as a key imperative in Africa's collective fight against COVID-19.
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