According to the World Health Organization (WHO), only five out of 54 countries are likely to vaccinate 40% of their populations by the end of 2021. Three African countries, Seychelles, Mauritius and Morocco, have already met their vaccination goal that was set in May. And at the current pace, Tunisia and Cabo Verde will also hit the target.
Scarcity of syringes in Africa
As many as 50 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have arrived in Africa in October 2021. Yet, the country still faces a shortage of 275 million vaccines against the year-end target.
And to make matters worse, the continent also faces a shortage of other crucial commodities. The Covid-19 vaccine rollout may be slowed by an “imminent shortfall” of up to 2.2 billion auto-disposable syringes according to UNICEF.
Matshidiso Moeti, regional director (Africa), WHO, said:
“The looming threat of a vaccine commodities crisis hangs over the continent. Early next year COVID-19 vaccines will start pouring into Africa, but a scarcity of syringes could paralyse progress. Drastic measures must be taken to boost syringe production, fast. Countless African lives depend on it.”
And already, countries such as Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa have experienced delays in receiving syringes.
What is being done about the problem?
According to WHO, the COVAX Facility is working on the problem.
“The COVAX Facility is working to address this threat by securing deals with syringe manufacturers, and through better planning to avoid deliveries outpacing the supply of syringes.”
So far, Africa has fully vaccinated 77 million people, which is only 6% of its population. And WHO is conducting emergency support missions to five African countries to “help support, speed up and improve their COVID-19 vaccine rollouts”.
Media Statement: World Health Organization (WHO)