The World Health Organization (WHO) says the Vaccines Learning Agenda team is building a dynamic database of valuable information for African countries, and is set to create case studies on a range of positive vaccine experiences and overcoming risks and challenges.
So far, eight African countries have shared experiences in regional webinars to share knowledge and best practices across borders.
“As Africa gears up for the next wave of COVID-19 vaccine shipments, the learning agenda tools and exchanges will help countries share what works and why, as well as documenting crucial lessons for the future. We’re urging all African Health Ministries to share their experiences, whether they worked or not, with the ultimate aim of saving more African lives,” says Learning Agenda team lead Chanda Chikwanda.
Below is the full statement:
Target
The WHO says about 90% of African countries will miss a September target to vaccinate at least 10% of their populations against COVID-19 as a third wave of the pandemic looms on the continent.
WHO regional director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti says the continent required an extra 225 million doses to be able to vaccinate a tenth of its people by September this year.
Africa has hit 5 million COVID-19 cases, with the southern Africa region the worst affected, accounting for 37% of total cases. South Africa is the worst affected African country, with about 34% of the total cases and about 43% of all deaths. –Additional reporting by Reuters.
