Africa fears a second wave of Covid-19 and is preparing for the arrival of the vaccine, the regional management of the World Health Organization (WHO) said Thursday, November 19.
"
There are now more than two million cases of Covid-19 in Africa and unfortunately 48,000 people have died,
" said WHO regional director for the continent, Dr Matshidiso Moeti.
Read also: The heavy side effects of Covid in Africa
"
In the past 28 days, cases have increased compared to last month in 19 countries including Kenya, Algeria, Ghana and Algeria,
" Dr Moeti added at an online press conference from WHO-Africa headquarters in Brazzaville.
Invited to the virtual press briefing, epidemiologist Salim S. Abdoul Karim identified three factors that could favor a second wave, particularly in his country, South Africa: “
complacency
” with regard to preventive measures, large gatherings favoring contamination, and the approach of the end of year holidays.
The two speakers welcomed the announcement of a 95% effective anti-Covid-19 vaccine made in recent days by the Pfizer and Moderna laboratories.
Covax, an international financing platform
They recalled that African countries were banking on the international Covax platform, a financing mechanism to allow 92 low and middle income countries to have access to safe and effective vaccines against COVID-19.
In total, Covax contributors - European Union, France, Spain, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation - have pledged “
more than $ 2 billion
,” said the Gavi Vaccine Alliance, which co-directs Covax, on November 13.
"
However, at least an additional $ 5 billion will still have to be found in 2021 to purchase the vaccine doses as they are delivered,
" the Alliance added.
Read also: These health risk factors that kill more than the Covid
WHO-Africa does not yet know what will be Africa's share in this funding.
The WHO regional director reported "
discussion
" with Moderna "
to be able to obtain doses as soon as the vaccine is available
".
"
The idea is not to try to vaccinate everyone, it's impossible,
" added Dr Moeti.
"
The goal is to reach 20% of the population by the end of next year
" giving priority to the most vulnerable, she said.
Welcoming the end of the 11th Ebola epidemic in DRC, the WHO regional director added: “
Innovations used to combat Ebola, such as technologies to keep vaccines at ultra-cold temperatures, will be of great benefit. great recourse when it comes to bringing a Covid-19 vaccine to Africa
”.