Africa will need “ continental capacity ” to produce covid-19 vaccines, according to the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As the continent tries to vaccinate more than its 1.3 billion people, the African CDC director says five African countries appear to have the capacity to produce vaccines.
“It’s so important for us as a continent to have this because we really don’t know what these vaccines would do in terms of longevity of immunity. So if it happens that immunity gains after about two years that means we need a regular supplemental vaccination or booster and that will require us to have continental capacity, ”said Dr John Nkengasong, director of the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Dr Nkengasong mentioned South Africa, Senegal, Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt.
He said a meeting is scheduled for April 12 between the African Union and external partners to create a roadmap to strengthen African capacity to produce vaccines.
At least 22 of the 54 African countries have received Covid-19 vaccines under the COVAX program.
The continent has set itself the goal of vaccinating at least 60% of its population.