It is important that African nations do not depend on foreign countries for healthcare support, as the continent cannot outsource its health to other parts of the world. Akinwumi Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) disclosed this at the 76th General Assembly of the United Nations.
The president of the AfDB stated this during the virtual meeting that featured the AfDB president, Directo General of World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, and Global Infrastructure Partners’ vice chairman and partner, Jim Yong Kim.
The bank published a statement on its website where it stated that “Global leaders, in a sideline event on health during the United Nations General Assembly, voiced the urgent need to scale up Covid-19 vaccine production and access in the wake of a pandemic that has caused unprecedented economic loss and bankrupted healthcare systems in Africa.”
According to the statement, the covid-19 pandemic affected the African economies badly, with GDP contracting 2.1% in 202, falling by 6.1% points from the pre-covid forecasts.
It added that only a few countries were able to meet their commitment to devote at least 15% of their national budget to enhance and sustain an adequate healthcare system.
Why it matters
Adesina emphasized the need for Africa to develop its healthcare and, manufacturing capacity, said, “Africa cannot outsource its health to other parts of the world. We have to develop Africa’s indigenous manufacturing capacity, we have to secure ourselves.” He restated that the AfDB is committing $3 billion to aid the development of Africa’s pharmaceutical industry for the next 10 years.
He added that “What is required in the long run is developing Africa’s pharmaceutical capacity”. Meanwhile, Okonjo Iweala showed her commitment to making sure that countries that have excessive vaccines donate to COVAX, an initiative lead by the Vaccine Alliance, Gavi; Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation and World Health Organization.
She also stated that she is committed to ensuring richer countries “swap places with poorer countries on the waiting list for vaccines.” She stated that “We are taking necessary actions. Supply chains for vaccines are very complicated, making sure supply chains flow. We need to lift restrictions so that manufacturers can get what they need.
“Vaccine nationalism doesn’t pay. We have to let technology be transferred. We can’t be selfish in this pandemic. Lives are at stake.”
