World Health Organization Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, says the COVID-19 pandemic has helped some African leaders realise opportunities for agency and self-sufficiency.
She commended South Africa for standing up to open the first mRNA vaccine hub in Africa.
Moeti delivered the 21st annual Steve Biko Lecture on Sunday evening.
Moeti says being able to create and build for one’s own people is a principle of Black Consciousness.
Video | 21st Annual Steve Biko Memorial Lecture
Biko was assassinated 44-years-ago, on 12 September, by the Apartheid government.
The continental chief says for South Africa to go ahead with the hub in Cape Town without a commitment from big pharmaceutical companies shows the dedication to being a continent that can eventually rely on itself.
? LIVE: Dr @MoetiTshidi, @WHO Regional Director for #Africa, delivers the 21st Annual Steve Biko Memorial Lecture commemorating the 44th anniversary of the murder in detention of Bantu Stephen Biko. https://t.co/JlZIRIiImw
— WHO African Region (@WHOAFRO) September 12, 2021
