Due to the increasing delay in vaccination campaigns compared to other regions of the world, the World Health Organization's Regional Office for Africa warned on Thursday of the risk of a new wave of COVID-19 transmission in the continent. The office, based in Brazzaville, noted in a statement that "due to the postponement of vaccine doses (COVID-19) delivered by the Serum Institute in India to Africa, the slow rollout of vaccines, and the emergence of new variants, the risk of a new wave of infections remains high in Africa."
The statement added that Africa "now accounts for only one percent of the vaccine doses administered worldwide, down from two percent weeks ago." The World Health Organization indicated that about "half of the 37 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines delivered to Africa have been administered so far," affirming that "some African countries have excelled in vaccine distribution."
The first shipments were delivered to 41 African countries through the COVAX program (which aims to ensure that poorer countries receive vaccines) since early March, but 9 countries administered only a quarter of the doses they received, and 15 countries administered less than half of the doses they received.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the Regional Director for the World Health Organization in Africa, emphasized in the statement that "the tragedy in India must not occur here in Africa, and we must all remain on high alert." She added, "If we are demanding vaccine equity, Africa must also make an effort and make the most of what we have. We must use all available doses to vaccinate our populations."
