The World Health Organization (WHO) Thursday said Africa needs at least 20 million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine in the next six weeks to get second doses to all who received a first dose within the 8—12-week interval.
In addition to this urgent need, the continent requires another 200 million doses of any WHO Emergency Use Listed COVID-19 vaccine to enable the vaccination of 10% of its population by September 2021.
WHO’s regional Director for Africa – Dr. Moeti Matshidiso announced this during the agency’s virtual conference.
While production and supply has been disrupted because of India’s surge in cases, Matshidiso said Africa must boost its manufacturing capacity for vaccines.
Among other things, the regional director urged for the timely use of vaccines by African nations or put them out for redistribution and the planned campaign of next week – to mark the world tobacco day.
