Words by Smiley Team
One of the world’s biggest foundations has announced it will spend $1.3 billion over the next three years to distribute Covid-19 vaccines to over 50 million people across Africa. The Mastercard Foundation hopes their commitment will assist Africa in the struggle to end the pandemic and save lives.
The Toronto-based non-profit made the pledge after the World Health Organization warned Africa is facing great challenges and “a near halt” of vaccine imports, partly linked to India stopping vaccine exports.
“It is actually a huge moment, and a moment that I characterize as transformational in our ability to fight the war against this pandemic,” Dr John Nkengasong, director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told The Associated Press.
The foundation will buy 220 million doses of vaccines produced by the American multinational, Johnson & Johnson. They will send these to the African Union’s 55 member states throughout July and September, to start vaccinating people from August. There is also a possibility of buying an extra 180 million doses next year.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccines have raised concerns in some countries, however, Nkengasong said he “remained positive and optimistic” that these issues would soon be resolved.
The foundation’s donation will cover transport costs, community engagement initiatives to educate people about the vaccine, research into possible variants of the virus and to train people involved in developing and distributing vaccines.
“We should expect good things out of this, but it’s going to take time,” said Lawrence Gostin, a professor of global health law at Georgetown University. “It’s not going to solve all the problems.”
“Africa will soon become the epicenter for the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s going to reverse many of the gains that Africa made in a whole range of areas... It will devastate the African economy,” he said.
31 million people out of a population of 1.3 billion have received vaccines across Africa. However, only seven million have had both doses, according to WHO.
“I do hope other foundations, and more governments, step up to help the continent,” said Gostin.
Created in 2006, the Mastercard Foundation operates independently from its financial services sponsor. It tackles poverty through education and financial inclusion, mainly across Africa.
By 2030 they aim to find fulfilling work for 30 million young people in Africa, with a particular focus on young women. Their action plan involves empowering youths through education, training, technology and access to financial services.
Find more information at mastercardfdn.org.
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