CSOs call for united African front in vaccine distribution, tech transfer

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) across the African continent have called on African nations to adopt a unified stance in the ongoing negotiations concerning the pandemic Agreement aimed at ensuring equitable vaccine distribution and technology transfer.

The appeal was made during a virtual conference hosted by AIDS Health Foundation (AHF) an international Non Governmental Organization (NGO).

Speaking during the conference, the Country Program Director for AHF Kenya, Dr. Samuel Kinyanijui, called for thorough preparation by African states ahead of the negotiations in Geneva.

He said there was need for African countries to develop a common position to guarantee equitable access to vaccines for all.

According to Kinyanijui, poor preparedness, non representation at the discussion and negotiation table, weak team, and lack of unity weakens the negotiating power of African governments.

He also noted that many African states were treating such negotiations as solely state matters, neglecting the crucial technical support that CSOs can provide, saying African nations must consult and collaboration to achieve desired results.

Speaking, Guillermina Alaniz, Director of Global Advocacy and Police AHF Argentina, harped on the need for wealthy nations to support systems where technology and knowledge are shared.

She argued that such measures would enable countries in the Global South to produce their own vaccines and life-saving medicines during global health emergencies.

Alaniz who noted that the inequality seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, where wealthy nations secured vaccines first while poorer countries lagged behind, must not be allowed to repeat, urged CSOs to advocate for protection of pharmaceutical companies and the need for decision makers to exhibit the required political will.

She lamented that “During COVID-19, when other countries were having a second dose of vaccine, African didn’t have. As CSOs, let’s show support by carrying out advocacy by telling our leaders to do the right thing and in a non adversarial manner, in a way that says we are here to support.”

Also speaking, Rodrick Mugishagwe called for stronger advocacy for technology transfer and training and development of stakeholders to ensure sustainable and equitable distribution of vaccines.

He also called on African countries to pull resources together to institute a monitoring and and accountability mechanism for equitable vaccine and technology movement and distribution around the African region.

The Director, Africa Region for the Pandemic Action Network, Aggrey Aluso, who appreciated AHF for organizing the conference noted lack of interest from wealthy nations in commiting to a binding agreement that secures technology transfer around the region.

He said it’s importance for Africa to have a league of strong negotiators to achieve the goal, not only during emergencies but also in times of peace.

Aluso also lamented depleting global funds and the failure of African countries to produce vaccines for diseases like Mpox, which has been present in Africa since 1974 and called for collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure capacity supports and technology transfer.

The Director of Policy, Advocacy and Marketing, AHF Africa Bureau, Kemi Gbadamosi, emphasized the need for binding commitments to technology transfer to be included in the WHO Pandemic Agreement.

She called for the establishment of regional production hubs in developing countries to ensure universal access to vaccines and treatment, urging CSOs to throw their support behind their governments to ensures global cooperation to prevent future inequalities like those seen during COVID-19.