The African Union (AU), led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, launched monthly shipments of Johnson & Johnson’s single-shot COVID-19 vaccine to AU Member States on August 5, 2021.
The African Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT) secured 220 million doses on March 28, 2021, with an option for 180 million more, totaling 400 million.
Chosen for its single-dose ease, long shelf-life, and partial production in South Africa’s Aspen Pharmacare facility, the vaccine marks a milestone in Africa’s fight against COVID-19. Ramaphosa called it a “momentous step” for health and economic recovery.
The first 6.4 million doses arrived in August, with 50 million targeted by December 2021, and over 25 million monthly by January 2022.
Collaborative Efforts and Logistics
The rollout, supported by the Africa Medical Supplies Platform (AMSP) and UNICEF for logistics, is the first time all AU Member States collectively procured vaccines.
The $2 billion deal, facilitated by Afreximbank, aims to immunize one-third of Africa’s 1.3 billion people, with COVAX covering the rest to reach 60% coverage. Strive Masiyiwa, AU Special Envoy, emphasized the milestone’s role in closing the vaccination gap.
UNICEF ensures seamless delivery, while the World Bank supports AVAT with resources for 400 million people. This pooled procurement aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), boosting local production and job creation, per UNECA’s Vera Songwe.
Addressing Africa’s Vaccination Gap
Africa faced a devastating third wave, with low vaccine access exacerbating deaths and economic strain, per Africa CDC’s John Nkengasong. The 400 million doses, partly manufactured in Gqeberha, South Africa, support the continent’s goal of 60% immunization.
Afreximbank’s Benedict Oramah highlighted the rollout’s role in containing the virus and protecting livelihoods. The initiative counters “vaccine nationalism,” as criticized by Ramaphosa, ensuring equitable access.
Local Production and Economic Impact
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine’s partial production at Aspen Pharmacare in South Africa underscores Africa’s push for self-reliance.
UNECA’s Songwe noted that local manufacturing could create over 5 million jobs, supporting post-COVID recovery via AfCFTA.
The TRIPS waiver advocacy, backed by African nations, aims to enhance technology transfer for vaccine production.
This milestone, positions Africa to reduce dependence on external suppliers, strengthening health and economic resilience amidst global supply chain challenges.
Future of Africa’s Vaccination Drive
The AVAT rollout, backed by the World Bank and AU’s African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT), aims to vaccinate 400 million Africans. Axel van Trotsenburg of the World Bank hailed the effort as a key step.
However, challenges remain, including delivery timelines and variant surges like 501Y.V2. Nkengasong stressed the need for sustained efforts to protect lives.
With COVAX complementing AU’s doses, Africa targets 60% coverage to curb the pandemic.
