Page 22 - Nile Explorer Issue 12

Science & Health

COVID-19

vaccine:

African

countries still

unprepared

t is a Eureka moment, as the world Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa
Iemerges from a destabilizing
COVID-19 pandemic with a glimmer
heightened hope and expectation Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional priority populations for vaccination and
to defeat the coronavirus pandemic Director for Africa highlighted the have plans in place to reach them, 44
nightmare after a few companies importance of strong planning and per cent have coordination structures
announced successful vaccines, and in preparation for successful inoculations in place, according to WHO analysis.
unprecedented time drug authorities against COVID-19. In addition, 24 per cent have adequate
gave approvals for the start of mass plans for resources and funding, 17
immunizations. “The largest immunization drive in per cent have data collection and
The first news of a potentially effective Africa’s history is right around the monitoring tools ready, and only 12 per
corner, and African governments must
vaccine was announced by the U.S.- urgently ramp up readiness. Planning cent have plans to communicate with
German collaboration of pharmaceutical and preparation will make or break this communities to build trust and drive
companies Pfizer and BioNTech on unprecedented endeavour,” she said. demand for immunization.
November 9, which announced that WHO has provided its Vaccine
preliminary studies had shown that “We need active leadership and Readiness Assessment Tool to all 47
the vaccine could prevent people from engagement from the highest levels of countries in its African Region. The Tool,
getting infected with the virus by up to government with solid, comprehensive for use by Ministries of Health, provides
95 percent. national coordination plans and systems a roadmap to plan for COVID-19
put in place,” added Dr. Moeti. vaccine introduction and covers ten key
Pfizer said that it would manage to
produce 6.4 million doses of its vaccine According to the analysis, based on areas, from planning and funding, to
for distribution within the U.S. by mid- countries’ self-reporting, the African training, monitoring and community
December, with over one billion by the region has an average score of 33 per engagement.
end of 2021. cent readiness for a COVID-19 vaccine The UN agency and its partners
roll-out, which is well below the desired also issued guidance on COVID-19
There have been subsequent benchmark of 80 per cent.
announcements of new vaccines in vaccination planning and deployment
the offing, with the manufacturers WHO, together with Gavi, the Vaccine for governments, to help them
giving the same 2020/2021 timeline Alliance, Coalition for Epidemic design strategies for the deployment,
for production and delivery. Therefore, Preparedness Innovation and other implementation and monitoring of
hope and expectation is palpable partners, is working to ensure equitable COVID-19 vaccines and better integrate
across the globe; however, as developed access to vaccines in Africa through their strategies and financing to boost
countries kicked off the start the biggest the COVAX facility, the vaccines pillar efficiency.
ever immunization in human history, of the WHO Access to COVID-19 Africa’s hopes of receiving the vaccine
African countries is still unprepared. Tools Accelerator. When vaccines are are pinned on the global COVAX
licensed and approved, COVAX will initiative, which aims to buy and deliver
Unfortunately, the African continent is work to secure enough doses to provide
“far from ready” to roll out what will be protection to an initial 20 per cent of the vaccines for the world’s poorest people.
its largest ever immunization drive, the African population, said WHO. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
UN World Health Organization (WHO) has reiterated that the new vaccines be
said recently. However, only 49 per cent have identified treated as “ a global public good” mde

22 | The Nile Explorer 012