In a significant bid to boost Africa’s access to vital COVID-19 vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments, The African Union (AU) has entered into an agreement with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). The collaboration aims to strengthen the negotiation abilities of African nations and further expedite the implementation of vaccination plans across the continent.
CEPI will partner with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to oversee the arrangement. The cooperation also includes the African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT), which is responsible for the consolidation of all procurement plans relating to the endeavor.
According to sources, the robust partnership is envisioned to serve as a framework for Africa’s future preparedness to effectively respond to epidemics and pandemics. This essentially means the continent can react more manageably and swiftly to infectious disease outbreaks, supplementing the global health security infrastructure.
The impact of the joint partnership has already been significant. Over 60 African countries have utilized the vaccines secured by AVATT. So far, more than 50 million doses have been procured.
The collaboration is expected to reinforce AVATT’s efforts in securing an ample supply of vaccines for Africa. Approximately half of the vaccines required to inoculate 60-70% of the continent’s population are projected to be obtained through AVATT.
The Africa CDC, in a press release, communicated its aspiration to immunize at least 60% of the continent’s population by the close of 2022. This ambitious target seeks to bring the pandemic under control in the region, safeguarding millions of lives and revitalizing socio-economic structures disrupted by the health crisis.
John Nkengasong, Director of Africa CDC, recognizes the significance of the partnership and states, “This agreement is a key milestone towards achieving that target.”
In conclusion, this newly inked agreement between AU and CEPI is seen as a vital step to bolster the vaccination drive, enhance African nations’ ability to negotiate and secure essential pandemic supplies, and improve the continent’s epidemic preparedness and response framework. It is an important advancement in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and the path towards a post-pandemic recovery.
