Approximately six million doses of Johnson and Johnson’s single-shot coronavirus vaccine are to be delivered to African Nations. The African Union decided to deliver 27 African nations who have paid for the shipment through the end of August.
African coronavirus envoy Strive Masiyiwa addressed the nation by saying 18 countries are finalizing loans from the World Bank and other global lenders before they make the payment. Delivery will be carried out at an average of 10 million a month from 2021 September. Which will gradually be increased to 20 million till January until the order is fulfilled by September next year. Masiyiwa further added that local production is the real answer and the balance of Africa’s vaccine requirements will come from donors including COVAX.
The countries have been eagerly waiting for this shipment as 29 countries currently are struggling with a severe third wave of the pandemic. Third-wave is stretching the capacity of the hospitals and causing oxygen and bed shortages in intensive care units. The African Union is targeting to vaccinate 60% of the continent’s population in a year. The signed deal with Johnson and Johnson will provide the doses in 18 months.
