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The way out of the pandemic: vaccine
Photo: Farncis Kokoroko / REUTERS
One year after the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, which killed more than 2.4 million people worldwide, humanity is facing a historic scientific achievement: vaccines were developed and certified in record time.
In combination with other tried and tested public health tools that many countries have used to successfully suppress transmission, vaccines now offer a way out of the crisis;
"The world after" can be more than a catchphrase.
Everyone agrees that the pandemic has highlighted the global interdependence of our societies in North and South and heightened awareness of common threats.
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Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
is Director General of the World Health Organization.
Photo: Anadolu Agency / Getty Images
The concept of “One Health”, which shows the interdependence of human health, animal health and the health of the ecosystem, is undisputed today.
So one thing is clear: we must turn the crisis we are currently experiencing into an opportunity to build a more sustainable, fairer and more solidarity world, especially in the area of health.
But this world is not yet within our grasp: After the shock caused by the virus, there is now another danger, namely a gap between the countries of the north and the south in access to the vaccines.
The consequences of these inequalities could cause a relapse the extent of which we do not yet know.
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Louise Mushikiwabo
is General Secretary of the International Organization of Francophonie.
Photo: Anadolu Agency / Getty Images
Any kind of vaccine protectionism would quickly hit the richest countries: it would accelerate another danger, namely the multiplication of the variant circulation, which could destroy attempts to protect oneself.
Beyond the act of solidarity and the moral imperative, rapid vaccination in the countries of the south is therefore a question of security for all.
Because Africa does not ask for alms, but simply for equal and fair access to vaccines, on an equal footing with its European partners.
So far it has become clear that African countries do not even have access to the vaccines they are willing to pay for.
They have already been pre-ordered by the rich countries.
The resilience of Africa's health systems is at stake
Faced with this challenge, the only possible answer is that of solidarity and multilateralism.
In April 2020, the European Union and, in particular, France, in partnership with the WHO, pushed for the creation of the ACT-A mechanism and its vaccine column Covax, which should enable equitable and fair access to vaccinations on a global level.
Africa must not be condemned to cheap vaccination: the continent must have access to certified and licensed vaccines, which are used as part of a vaccination campaign with the support of WHO, GAVI and Unicef.
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Moussa Faki Mahamat
is chairman of the African Union Commission.
Photo: Anadolu Agency / Getty Images
Yesterday, Ghana was the first country to receive cans through the Covax facility, and tomorrow Côte d'Ivoire will be the first francophone country to benefit from this historic and innovative initiative.
But much more is needed.
The resilience of Africa's health systems is at stake.
That is why Europe must be there and be the driving force to speed up the vaccine delivery schedule.
This call has been heard loud and clear in the G7.
Now it has to be translated into concrete, visible and tangible results for our European and African public.
It is an illusion to believe that Europe can live with the virus if Africa does not control it
One of the most important levers to dramatically speed up the delivery schedule and enable Africa to vaccinate its carers is a mechanism to donate vaccine doses.
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Chrysoula Zacharopoulou
is MEP and doctor, rapporteur for the EU Africa Strategy.
Photo: Thierry Monasse / Getty Images
This is the call initiated by President Macron and supported by WHO.
Immediate transfer of these doses to Africa will not affect the pace of vaccination campaigns in European countries.
On the contrary: this gesture will make it even more effective.
It is an illusion to believe that Europe can live with the virus if Africa does not control it.
For this mechanism to be effective, it needs to be supported by a critical number of EU Member States.
If this act of solidarity is fulfilled, it would be possible in a second step to carry out a massive vaccination campaign in Africa.
This is made possible by the pledges of additional contributions that were made at the last G7 meeting.
But these promises cannot bear fruit unless they are preceded by a gesture of solidarity.
Health must be at the heart of the new partnership between our continents
The common fate between Africa and Europe has never been so important as in the face of this virus, which shows us our vulnerability, but also our mutual dependence so drastically.
Health must be at the heart of the new partnership between our continents.
Immunization is the first challenge, but another fight is necessary: that of the health systems of African societies, which now more than ever need to become more resilient.
more on the subject
Icon: Spiegel Plus experts warn of new mutants: Africa's devastating second waveAn analysis by Fritz Schaap
Unequal distribution of vaccines: "The virus doesn't care about borders" An interview by Susanne Götze
New Ebola outbreak: The syringe that gives Africa hope By Heiner Hoffmann, Nairobi
The European Union is an important partner for Africa.
What is at stake at this tipping point is not a competition for influence or a geopolitical battle, but the ability of our continents to lay the groundwork for a new project.
Overcoming the pandemic is the first "test case" for our ability to jointly master the challenges that will multiply in the coming years.
The European Council is meeting today.
We call on the heads of state and government to start up the Covax mechanism immediately by donating cans in order to protect the African people and health workers as quickly as possible - as a priority.
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