There is consensus that COVID-19 should be an important wake up call for Africa. However, during the 22 months

history of the pandemic, there is no clear evidence that Africa has woken up. It continues to knock at doors that seem firmly shut. So far, only 1% of Africa’s population is fully vaccinated. The COVAX mechanism and the associated funding schemes (COVID-19 Vaccines Advance Market Commitment and the Africa Vaccine Acquisition Trust) are likely to fall far short of what is required. In fact, there is concern that Africa could be drowned in new debt and drift further into poverty. 

The solution? Africa should develop its capacity to produce the drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics it needs. There is no true freedom for the continent without basic capacity of ensuring access to essential medicines, including vaccine technology, to its citizens. Africa cannot afford to continue knocking doors that are unlikely to open in any meaningful way.  

I ask myself many times--what if a worse pandemic arises? Yes, Africa’s problems are bigger than any pandemic. But it also cannot afford to ignore the ongoing threat of emerging pandemics that have the potential to wipe out millions of its citizens at any time.   

Africa should stop knocking! Africa should make all the medicines it needs—at least should have the requisite capacity that can be mobilised when it is needed. I know the complex arguments against this ‘simplistic’ notion of Africa producing its own medicines. But this has been my life for the past four years. I am certain that the path for Africa’s prosperity and security goes through the minds of the experts, the infrastructures and the production facilities of essential drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics. This will also make Africa part of the global health technology solution. Setting this as a national agenda is the only way of realising such a hefty vision.  

[Opinion not that of CDT-Africa]