The decision by some of the richer countries to roll out Covid-19 booster shots for their citizens makes a mockery of vaccine equity, Mats...
The decision by some of the richer countries to roll out Covid-19 booster shots for their citizens makes a mockery of vaccine equity, Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization’s regional director for Africa, said on Thursday.
At a press briefing on the pandemic situation in the continent, Moeti said that only 2% of Africans have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 so far.
“High-income countries have already, on average, administered more than 103 [vaccine] doses per 100 people, whereas in Africa that number stands at six,” Moeti said.
Booster shots are jabs given to ramp up the number of antibodies provided by vaccines that wane over a period of time.
While #COVID19 vaccine shipments seem to be taking off, Africa is encountering headwinds. Moves by some countries to introduce booster shots threaten the promise of a brighter tomorrow for Africa.
— Dr Matshidiso Moeti (@MoetiTshidi) August 19, 2021
As some richer countries hoard vaccines, they make a mockery of vaccine equity. pic.twitter.com/fk4ChXFCye
Moeti’s comment came as several countries have already begun their booster shot programmes or have chalked out plans for it.
The United States, on Wednesday cleared booster shots for all citizens from September 20, Reuters reported.
A day earlier, United Kingdom Health Secretary Sajid Javid suggested that those above 50 years of age were likely to be offered third shots from early September....
