It’s all history now and we can’t change that of course. Developed nations implemented comprehensive vaccination programs that poorer countries, especially in Africa could not afford. Since then, COVAX and Gavi have tried to narrow the gap, but in the interim COVID fatigue apparently set in. Did we leave it too late to vaccinate Africa? We decided to find out.
Why Is It Too Late to Vaccinate Africa
The shortfall in vaccination was partly due to developing nations paying more for vaccines than countries contributing to development costs. Meanwhile, the virus continued to spread, and endow a certain degree of natural immunity. Attention shifted earlier this year to Africa producing its own vaccines, under license from patent owners.
An existing South African pharmaceutical manufacturer was able to modify its plant and open a COVID vaccine production line. Their business model visualized supplying Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccines throughout Africa in collaboration with COVAX.
However, large orders did not materialize, and the plant will repurpose for anesthetic production within six weeks. The lack of orders from leading procurement agencies suggests African demand for vaccinations has slumped. But why is this so?
What Is the Role of COVAX and Gavi in This?
Gavi is a public–private global health partnership founded in 2000 to increase access to immunization in poor communities. While COVAX is an international vaccine-sharing alliance involving many countries.
World Health Organization, Gavi, and Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations all support COVAX in their endeavors. The South African vaccine manufacturer’s senior director did not mince his words when speaking to Health E News.
“There is a dire and urgent need for these international procurement facilities to start changing the way they procure vaccines,” he advised. “Low availability and high prices may lead some countries to rule out buying these life-saving treatments.”
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