Nigeria Will Miss 40% Vaccination Target By End Of 2021 – WHO

The World Health Organization has come out to say that Nigeria and some other African countries might miss the 40 per cent vaccination target set for African countries by the end of 2021.

The WHO regional director for Africa, Dr Moeti Matshidiso recently disclosed this during a virtual press briefing, and Nigerians have been reacting.

According to him, only 5 African countries would meet the set target before the end of the year and they are Seychelles, Mauritius, Morocco, Tunisia and Cabo Verde.

He added that some African countries such as Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa have experienced delays in receiving syringes and the looming threat of a vaccine commodities crisis hangs over the continent.

His words, “Three African countries, Seychelles, Mauritius and Morocco, have already met the goal that was set in May by the World Health Assembly, the world’s highest health policy-setting body. At the current pace, just two more countries, Tunisia and Cabo Verde will also hit the target. In addition, limited access to crucial commodities such as syringes may slow the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in Africa.”

“Already some African countries, such as Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa, have experienced delays in receiving syringes. 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 paralyze progress. Drastic measures must be taken to boost syringe production, fast. Countless African lives depend on this.”

“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.”