Few African nations on track to vaccinate 40 percent of population by year-end

Why quality education and support matter for all

This spring the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a goal to fully vaccinate 40 percent of all countries by the end of the year. Today, just five African countries could hit this goal, as reported at a recent WHO press conference. That’s less than six percent of the continent’s population.

“If the 6.8-billion vaccine doses administered globally so far had been distributed equitably, we would have reached our 40-percent target in every country by now,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of WHO, during the media briefing.

So, the WHO has released a new strategy to reach its year-end goal, including a plan to vaccinate 70 percent of each country’s population by mid-2022.

At Children Believe, we continue to navigate COVID-19 by closely monitoring countries where our sponsored children are affected, including assessing and supporting their needs. We provide food rations, supplies to continue children’s education and support through psycho-social care.

Visit our gift catalogue, and support vulnerable children and families through COVID-19 today.

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.

About Inspiring Stories

February 2026

Tableside: Children Believe's Voice in Canada's Gl...

During International Development Week, Fred Witteveen shares why bringing field-based evidence to Ottawa matters and how international development is a strategic investment in Canada’s global future.

February 2026

Ed Blackmore: Celebrating a man who inspired all w...

A tribute to Ed Blackmore, a devoted educator, father, and 25-year child sponsor whose faith, kindness, and generosity inspired all who knew him.

February 2026

From an India boarding school to 35 years of spons...

Follow Dan Sinclair’s 35-year journey as a child sponsor with Children Believe, inspired by his family’s legacy and lifelong connection to India.