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Covid-19: Africa fears a second wave and hopes for the vaccine

2020-11-20T12:42:05.172Z


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


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

”.

Source: lefigaro

All news articles on 2020-11-20

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