UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, on Tuesday, said 26 African countries had received 15 million COVID-19 doses under the COVAX facility as of March 21.
Guterres said during a virtual meeting with the African Group at the UN that he was “deeply concerned” that many poor countries had not received a single dose.
In contrast, rich countries are on track to vaccinating their entire population, the UN chief said, reiterating his appeal for global vaccine equity.
Guterres said “As I have said, again and again, a COVID-19 vaccine must be a global public good available to everyone, everywhere. Vaccine equity is a moral test of global solidarity. We see many examples of vaccine nationalism and vaccine hoarding in wealthier countries, as well as continued side deals with manufacturers that undermine access for all. The world needs to unite to produce and distribute sufficient vaccines for all, which means at least doubling manufacturing capacity around the world,’’