Africa falls behind year-end target to fully vaccinate 40 percent of population

Even with 470-million doses expected, it will not be enough to reach goal

Despite 470-million COVID-19 vaccine doses anticipated in Africa by the end of December, the continent is falling behind in its goal to vaccinate 40 percent of its population by year-end, reports the United Nations (UN). The new shipment will only be enough to inoculate 17 percent of the population.

“Only around two percent of the nearly six-billion doses administered globally have gone to Africans,” notes the UN. An issue Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organization’s regional director for Africa, attributes to “export bans” and “vaccine hoarding.”

What’s more, there have been more than eight-million COVID-19 cases in Africa, yet less than four percent of the population has had both jabs.

At Children Believe, we continue to provide relief to children and families in our programs in Africa. We provide food rations, psycho-social care and access to education, among other priorities.

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About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.

About Childfund Alliance

A member of ChildFund Alliance, Children Believe is part of a global network of child-focused development organizations working to create opportunities for children and youth, their families and communities. ChildFund helps nearly 23-million children and their families in 70 countries overcome poverty and underlying conditions that prevent children from achieving their full potential. We work to end violence against children; provide expertise in emergencies and disasters to ease the harmful impact on children and their communities; and engage children and youth to create lasting change and elevate their voices in decisions that affect their lives.

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