NEWS ARTICLE
Saving Lives and Livelihoods Initiative Administers 32 Million COVID-19 Vaccine Doses in Africa
A historic partnership, known as the Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative, between the Mastercard Foundation and the Africa CDC, has achieved significant milestones over the past two years. The initiative, launched in June 2021, has made remarkable progress in its mission to save lives and strengthen health systems in Africa amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since its inception, the initiative has successfully administered over 32 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines across Africa. This commendable effort has contributed to the full vaccination of 52 percent of the target population on the continent. With a primary focus on vaccine equity, the initiative has procured vaccines to cover more than 65 million people, while also supporting the delivery of vaccinations to millions more. By integrating COVID-19 vaccinations into routine national immunization programs, the initiative ensures the sustainable strengthening of public health systems in Africa.
Collaborating with local ministries of health, the Africa CDC, and implementing partners, the initiative has received participation from 51 African Union (AU) member states. Currently, 25 member states are in the implementation phase, working towards the common goal of vaccinating their populations and safeguarding public health. The combined efforts have resulted in the generation of over 22,520 jobs in these member states, with a focus on involving and empowering youths. Additionally, the initiative has trained and deployed 37,609 health workers, significantly boosting the capacity of healthcare services across the continent. Furthermore, the establishment of 32 laboratories capable of genomic sequencing of COVID-19 and other pathogens has strengthened Africa’s disease monitoring and response capabilities.
Undoubtedly, the Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative has played a vital role in Africa’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. It has proven to be a beacon of hope for millions of Africans, catalyzing positive change and demonstrating the transformative power of collective action. By prioritizing equitable vaccine distribution and revitalizing public health systems, the initiative seeks to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of the continent.
Looking ahead, the initiative aims to invest in the procurement of cold chain equipment across 32 countries in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund. This step is crucial for the effective storage and transportation of vaccines, ensuring their potency during distribution. Furthermore, the initiative actively supports the development of vaccine manufacturing capacities in Africa. Through its involvement in the AU Partnership for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM) agenda, the initiative envisions enabling the continent to manufacture 60 percent of its vaccines by 2040. To date, 53 experts from African member states have received training, with an additional 24 experts set to undergo training at international vaccine training institutes.
The Mastercard Foundation, a key partner in the Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative, recently announced a $45 million partnership with Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD). This collaboration aims to establish a pan-African training center for biomanufacturing called MADIBA (Manufacturing in Africa for Disease Immunization and Building Autonomy). This project further emphasizes the initiative’s commitment to strengthening vaccine manufacturing capacities in Africa, which is vital for the continent’s long-term health security and self-reliance.
As the global COVID-19 emergency comes to an end, as declared by the World Health Organization, there is a clear understanding that robust health systems remain essential for the future. The Africa CDC, now an autonomous agency reporting to a Bureau of Presidents, is actively leading the efforts to integrate COVID-19 vaccinations into routine national immunization programs. This strategic shift will ensure that the progress made in vaccinating the population is sustained and built upon for future health initiatives.
The Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative has undoubtedly made a significant impact in Africa, serving as an example of effective collaboration, innovation, and resilience during challenging times. With a firm commitment to the health and well-being of the continent, the initiative continues to pave the way for a brighter future by charting a course towards self-sufficiency, strong health systems, and a locally trained workforce of African vaccine manufacturing experts. As the initiative now enters its third year, it will undoubtedly continue to foster positive change, ensuring that African lives and livelihoods are safeguarded against present and future health crises.
