African countries appeared more resilient to the immediate health impact of COVID-19 than many other parts of the world. However, lack of access to critical vaccines will likely mean that the continent lags behind other regions in inoculation against COVID-19.
According to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the continent has received over 137 million COVID-19 vaccine doses, with supply coming from the Covax global vaccine-sharing scheme, bilateral donations and, recently, the African Union (AU).
While 75 per cent of this supply has already been administered, this translates to only 4.85 per cent of the continent’s population having received their first dose, with just 2.93 per cent fully vaccinated.
This event explores the policies, financial capital, international support, and regional cooperation required for developing vaccine manufacturing capacities and supply chains on the continent.
The meeting is held as part of the Policy for Recovery in Africa series, held in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which brings together expert speakers and decision-makers to examine and exchange on key challenges, potential solutions, and approaches for implementation as African countries confront the shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The series provides careful analysis and evidence-based policy solutions towards recovery and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Participants
Opening remarks: Dr Mandeep Dhaliwal, Director for HIV, Health and Development Practice, Bureau for Policy and Programme, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Keynote: Rt. Hon. Dr Michel Sidibé, African Union Special Envoy for the African Medicines Agency (AMA)
Dr Nicaise Ndembi, Chief Science Advisor, Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Associate Professor, Division of Epidemiology and Prevention, University of Maryland
Dr Amaka Vanni, Lecturer in Law, University of Leeds; President, African International Economic Law Network (AfIELN)
Alain Alsalhani, Vaccines and Special Projects Pharmacist, Médecins Sans Frontières Access Campaign
Dr Edem Adzogenu, Director, AfroChampions; Member, UNDP African Influencers for Development
Chair: Dr Gita Honwana Welch, Associate Fellow, Africa Programme, Chatham House
