The World Health Organization on Thursday predicted that Nigeria and 48 other African countries may miss the 40 per cent vaccination target set for African countries by the end of 2021.
WHO therefore, predicted that only five African countries would meet the set target.
The WHO regional director for Africa, Dr Moeti Matshidiso disclosed this during a virtual press briefing on Thursday while noting that limited access to syringes may also limit the rollout of vaccine doses across the continent.
She said, “Three African countries, Seychelles, Mauritius and Morocco, have already met the goal that was set in May by the World Health Assembly, the world’s highest health policy-setting body. At the current pace, just two more countries, Tunisia and Cabo Verde will also hit the target. In addition, limited access to crucial commodities such as syringes may slow the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in Africa.
“Already some African countries, such as Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa, have experienced delays in receiving syringes. The looming threat of a vaccine commodities crisis hangs over the continent. Early next year COVID-19 vaccines will start pouring into Africa, but a scarcity of syringes could paralyze progress. Drastic measures must be taken to boost syringe production, fast. Countless African lives depend on this.”
She however added that the COVAX facility was working to address this threat by securing deals with syringe manufacturers.
“The COVAX Facility is working to address this threat by securing deals with syringe manufacturers, and through better planning to avoid deliveries outpacing the supply of syringes.
From October to date, about 50 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have arrived in Africa, which is almost double what was shipped in September.
COVAX, the global platform to ensure equitable access to vaccines, has delivered almost 90% per cent of the vaccines deployed this month and has accelerated its shipments since July.
However, at the current pace, Africa still faces a 275 million shortfall of COVID-19 vaccines against the year-end target of fully vaccinating 40 per cent of its people.
