French President Emmanuel Macron called on Western countries to provide 13 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to African nations "as soon as possible."
According to the French news agency AFP today, President Macron's plea was made during a video conference at the Munich Security Conference from Paris. Macron stated, "Africa has 6.5 million health workers," noting that they need 13 million doses to protect them from COVID-19. The French president pointed out that this amount of vaccine represents 0.43 percent of Western vaccine stockpiles, yet it would make a significant difference for African nations struggling to protect their citizens.
Macron warned that the failure of rich countries to deliver the pledged doses within six to twelve months "will put pressure on African governments close to the West from their populations." He clarified that if the West, specifically Europeans and Americans, does not act fairly, it will force African governments to purchase doses from Chinese and Russian suppliers or directly from laboratories.
Macron added that donating vaccines would serve as a tangible demonstration of transatlantic action towards "beneficial" globalization that reflects "a shared desire to advance and share the same values." He emphasized that for Western European globalization to succeed, they must address the issue of inequality in our societies and with our neighbors. This appeal comes after France, along with the other G7 countries, pledged $7.5 billion to support the vaccine rollout in poorer nations. Previously, Macron had suggested that wealthy Western countries give between 3-5 percent of their COVID-19 vaccine stockpiles to Africa.
