Washington: The US will start making its first Covid-19 vaccine shipments to Africa in the coming days, with the ultimate goal of sharing 25 million this summer dose across the African continent.
The first dosage will be sent to Ethiopia, Djibouti and Burkina Faso, said State Department spokesman Jalina Porter, with the US working with the Global Covax vaccine alliance.
Overall, the dose will eventually go to 49 African countries.
According to the White House, Djibouti and Burkina Faso each will receive 151,200 doses of Johnson’s single-shot vaccine & Johnson, while Ethiopia will receive 453,600.
“The United States has partnered with sub-Saharan African countries for decades, working with the African government, regional institutions, civil society and others on the continent to foster opportunities and deal with global challenges,” said Senior NSC Director for Africa Funds Banks.
“Pandemic Covid-19 is no different.
” Non-government organizations praise Biden moves to start sharing vaccines with Africa, but the dose warned not to arrive fast enough to slow down the outbreak.” Because many rich countries returned to normal, Africa returned to Lockdown, “said Tom Hart, acting CEO from one campaign.” Many of these cases and deaths can be prevented with one thing: access to the vaccine.
Biden Administration’s announcement is a further step that is good, but the reality is that Africa requires 200 million doses at the end of September to stem this crisis.
” Shipping came as part of the initial supply of 80 million doses owned by President Joe Biden promised to send to the world at the end of June, although delivery was slowed by regulatory and logistical obstacles in the recipient country.
They marked the Biden Administration advance on plans to buy and donate more than 500 million doses for the world during the coming year.
Until now the US has sent more than 53 million doses of covid-19 vaccine to more than 30 countries and regions.