46 African states in line for vaccine aid

CAPE TOWN: About 46 African countries are eligible for support from the financing instrument of Covax, a global initiative to secure at least 220 million doses of a

Covid-19 vaccine for the continent, once licensed and approved.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Covax Advance Market Commitment has raised almost $700 million

(R12 billion) against a target of $2bn from donor countries, the private sector and philanthropists, by the end of the year. Eight countries have agreed to self-finance their vaccine doses.

WHO regional director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti said Covax is a groundbreaking global initiative which will ensure African countries are not left at the back of the queue for Covid-19 vaccines.