Mkaka says AU health experts to engage Covid vaccine manufacturers to adjust to variants
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eisenhower Mkaka, says experts at the African Union (AU) are expected to engage member governments and Covid-19 manufacturers to see how best African countries can be provided with effective vaccines that adjust due to the new coronavirus variants that have emerged in South Africa.
The emergence of mutated versions of the virus had “raised questions” about their impact on vaccines particularly after South Africa decided to halt AstraZeneca vaccinations when a study showed the vaccine was less effective at preventing the variant there.
Speaking in Lilongwe when he briefed journalists on the major highlights of the 34th ordinary session of the AU held under the theme “Arts, culture and heritage: Levers for building the Africa we want”, held on February 6 and 7, said a current AU report on the pandemic exposed several issues like the existing health challenges that member states are facing in the fight against the disease.
Amongst other things, the leaders virtually discussed issues ranging from top management of the AU, institutional reform of the organization and the AU Covid-19 response.
“The member states expressed the need for equity and timely access to the COVID-19 vaccine within the continent to achieve the target of vaccinating at least 90 per cent of the population by the end of this year,” he said.
However, Mkaka said the organization has not yet made its official stand on the recent development whereby the administration of one of the vaccines, AstraZeneca, has been temporarily put on hold in South Africa, due to disappointing results.
Reports indicate that a recent trial of the vaccine in South Africa offered minimal protection against mild and moderate cases mainly amongst the youth with only a turnaround of 10 per cent.
“This being a new development, heads of government did not have a chance to discuss the matter and do not have an official stand of the issue at the moment.
“However, health experts at the AU are likely to engage vaccine manufacturers, stakeholders and AU heads of government to ensure that any vaccine being provided to Africans will be effective in combating the disease,” said Mkaka.
President Lazarus Chakwera, who attended the summit from Lilongwe, acknowledged the African Centre for Disease Control for the support rendered to Malawi through the provision of technical expertise and Personal Protective Equipment in the fight against the disease.
The meeting was preceded by the 38th Session of the Executive Council on February 3 and 4. Both meetings were held virtually as a COVID-19 preventative measure.
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Kumva kukomatu omkaka. Dala mumwa womkaka tchayi he he. Ayi ndithu mwina mkunenepako
Not that it counts and unrelated.. But there is something off about this Mkaka guy.. Like ka greed greed chonchi
Mbuzinso ina ndi imeneyi. What are explaining here. Do you know anything about Medicine? Let those who went to school for it talk. Hey just put aside the AstraZeneca vaccine if at all it will arrive at the end of the month for the decision from South Africa.
It was reported that the vaccine which is available in Malawi is a gift from donors.Therefore let capital hill purchase quality medicine using treasury coffers.Why waste time when we are loosing on this battle.We will become extinct if we are not carefull.
Why can’t we engage and provide resources to our local scientists? We have the personnel within our universities and laboratories in the country.
AU experts? my foot. Why didn’t they come up with their own vaccine? You will be lucky to even vaccinate 10% of your continent by the end of the year, never mind 90%. Remember, beggars are not choosers hence will be at the back of the queue.
Mr Milk tsopano kkkkk
AU is one of the useless bodies existing currently. There is no union apart from disunion. These institution needs reform like yesterday. They are still looking into discussing with the West ( vaccine providers) thinking they will listen and give them a priority? There is no way.The west has barely vaccinated 30% of their population. We need to be discussing of coming up with our own vaccine for Africa to accelerate in saving its people who are dying more than the chickens. AU needs immediate change. We can’t let African presidents who are all millionaires head and run this institution.
I fail to understand why you can’t order from other suppliers. Anyway I hope the adjustments will be within acceptable limits. Kuopa kutipsereza. azungu amatha kukupasa bulangete lopakidwa katsabola (small pox)
Evil mind. Just be thankful for their kindness. They give you medicine vaccines, food, education and construct your bridges but you continue to insult them. Very pathetic people why not come up with your vaccine.
idiot, a few good deeds ain’t enough to wash out 1,000 years of them cheating and exploiting. get lost
Munkagona tulo? Why didn’t you do the same?